By Neil Heinen
Editorial Director

Next Tuesday's election here in Wisconsin will be watched around the country for a number of reasons and one of those is the potentially precedent-setting vote on the proposed amendment defining marriage. We very much hope this amendment is defeated, and Wisconsin is seen as a national leader in offering a tolerant environment to all.

Rarely is a word so accurately reflective of a ballot question as the word "fair" is to the marriage amendment. Opponents are urging a "no" vote for a fair Wisconsin. We agree. The proposal to define marriage, which is already adequately defined in our constitution, is nothing less than an attempt to codify unfairness, to make mean-spiritedness and bigotry the law of the state.

That's not the intent of all supporters, and we respect those folks who struggle with this on thoughtful moral grounds. But that defines very few of the legislators who proposed this. There is much for Wisconsin to lose if this amendment passes, and much to gain if it fails. Not the least of which is the reputation of being a truly fair state. That alone is worth voting no.

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