Quantcast

MN Gay Marriage Bill Introduced at Capitol - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

MN Gay Marriage Bill Introduced at Capitol

Posted: Updated:

 

It is a major step forward for gay rights in Minnesota Wednesday as a bill unveiled at the state capitol aims to legalize gay marriage by summer.

 

Lawmakers argue that same-sex families deserve the same recognition from the state as more traditional ones. The bill would repeal a 1997 law -- which had prohibited marriage between same-sex couples -- while still allowing unwilling churches to be exempted from performing same-sex marriage ceremonies.

One of the bill's main authors, Senator Scott Dibble, says this is more than politics; it's about giving those who love each other the same rights as everyone else.

At First Congregational United Church of Christ in Moorhead, Pastor Mark Pettis says there is a lot of momentum for this bill after an amendment that would have defined marriage as between a man and a woman failed last November by 150,000 votes.

Pettis says it is not right for the state government to tell churches who they can and cannot marry. "It is hurtful when the state government choose not to affirm they are in fact families, according to the law," he told us, "so I think, should this legislation pass and be signed into law, it will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate."

Governor Mark Dayton says he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk, however Senator Dibble has expressed uncertainty whether he has the votes to pass the measure in the Democratic-led legislature.

 If passed, weddings could begin in August.


  • Local News

  • The Minnesota House has passed a bill that allows a union drive among home daycare providers and personal care attendants after about 10 hours of debate strung out over more than two days. The final vote

    The Minnesota House has passed a bill that allows a union drive among home daycare providers and personal care attendants after about 10 hours of debate strung out over more than two days.

  • A police chase ended up with a Moorhead Police car getting smashed into early Sunday morning. About 1:00 a.m. a Moorhead Officer tried to stop on a Chevrolet Tahoe SUV on 30th Avenue South. The suspect
    A police chase ended up with a Moorhead Police car getting smashed into early Sunday morning. About 1:00 a.m. a Moorhead Officer tried to stop on a Chevrolet Tahoe SUV on 30th Avenue South. The suspect
  • The City of Crookston has put a new spin on an idea that was used to settle this Country. It's giving away $425,000 worth of housing lots.  Craig Hoiseth, Economic Development: "Today is the launching
    The City of Crookston has put a new spin on an idea that was used to settle this Country. It's giving away $425,000 worth of housing lots.  Craig Hoiseth, Economic Development: "Today is the launching
Powered by WorldNow
Powered by WorldNowAll content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and Valley News Live. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.