Minn. lawmakers introduce marriage bill

Minnesota State Capitol (Photo via Wikimedia)

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Minnesota lawmakers on Feb. 27 introduced a bill that would allow same-sex couples to marry in the state.

“In Minnesota, we don’t turn our backs on family – and this legislation will make that statement as true as possible,” Minnesotans United Campaign Manager Richard Carlbom said.

State Sen. Branden Peterson (R-Andover) and other legislators introduced the measure less than four months after Minnesota voters rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have defined marriage as between a man and a woman. Voters in Maine, Maryland and Washington last November approved same-sex marriage referenda in their respective states.

Nine states and D.C. allow gays and lesbians to legally marry. Lawmakers in Rhode Island, New Jersey and Delaware are expected to debate the issue in the coming weeks and months.

Gov. Mark Dayton, who spoke out against the proposed marriage amendment, is among those who supports same-sex marriage.