[Mpls] This Week in The Minneapolis Observer

[Craig Cox]

T H E M I N N E A P O L I S O B S E R V E R
A Weekly Digest of All Things Minneapolitan
www.mplsobserver.com
Vol. 3, No. 7
September 15, 2003

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THIS WEEK IN THE OBSERVER:
* Benson Downplays Historic Domestic Partners Law
* National Geographic Program Profiles 'U' Vet Students
* Northside Arson Highlights Fire Department's Challenge
* Charter School in Disarray After School Board Vote
* Class War in Lowry Hill?
Plus: Faux Nazis in Stevens Square, Walker Library in flux, North Country Co-op gets the dough, and the politics of fire.

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BENSON DOWNPLAYS HISTORIC DOMESTIC PARTNERS LAW
With little fanfare, the city council last month approved three amendments to city law that essentially rewrites the definition of family in Minneapolis. And despite the historic nature of the measures, the amendments' author, Council Member Scott Benson (11th Ward) says he was not surprised by the outcome.

The amendments, which prohibit discrimination against domestic partners in several areas, including housing, and recognizes domestic partnerships registered in other cities and states, passed unanimously. And they required little lobbying, he says, because they were "reasonable" adjustments to city ordinances. "I don't think there is a reasonable way to oppose these ordinance changes without betraying your own bigotry," Benson says. "It doesn't cost anything, so what could your objection be?"

Benson has received e-mails generated by the Minnesota Family Council in opposition to the changes and admits that radical Republicans in the legislature will certainly try to make an issue out of it, but he doubts that they will be effective. "What really is their argument? 'Don't give 'those people' the ability to more easily register their domestic partnerships because we hate them'? It seems difficult to make much political hay out of that."

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PROGRAM PROFILES 'U' VET STUDENTS
Two third-year veterinary medicine students at the University of Minnesota will be featured in an upcoming National Geographic Explorer program.

NORTHSIDE ARSON HIGHLIGHTS FIRE DEPARTMENT'S CHALLENGE
A case of arson in the Camden Neighborhood is highlighting the challenge the Fire Department is facing in an era of budget cuts.

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The Minneapolis Observer is published 48 times/year by Independent Media, L.L.C. ©2003 Independent Media, 4152 Snelling Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55406; www.mplsobserver.com. No part of this publication may be reprinted without the permission of Independent Media. Subscriptions: $12/yr. To unsubscribe, send us an e-mail ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) and we'll get you off the list and refund the unused portion of your subscription.
Editor: Craig Cox
Senior Executive Editor: Sharon Parker
Contributing writers: Chris Dodge, Leo Mezzrow
Equine consultant: Nora Cox
Perspective: Martin Cox

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Craig Cox
Editor
The Minneapolis Observer
www.mplsobserver.com

Support the independent media! Pick up your neighborhood newspaper!