Minnesota House passes gay marriage; bill heads to Senate Monday

[sarisataka]

Gay marriage in Minnesota passed a critical test Thursday, May 9, with the House passing legislation on a 75-59 vote.

The vote sends the debate to the Minnesota Senate, which is expected to vote on same-sex marriage on Monday. Gov. Mark Dayton has said he will the bill should it reach his desk.

The House had been seen as the bill's toughest challenge, with Senate leaders declaring they have the support to pass the bill weeks ago.

Supporters and opponents of the bill to legalize gay marriage started gathering at the Minnesota Capitol hours before the House took up the bill at noon. Some of the House DFLers -- who have the controlling majority -- stopped to give hugs and high-fives as they walked into the chamber along a hallway lined with supporters and opponents chanting and raising signs.

Repubs way over-reached on the "Marriage {in}Equality Act" last ballot. They lost the Legislature and now are facing their worst nightmare.
I may have to get my suit out; I think there will be a couple of weddings soon.

[rbixby]

1. I watched a lot of the debate this afternoon

and pretty much all republicans could come up with was "Please, think of the children!!!"

[LonePirate]

2. DFL holds a 39-28 majority in the MN Senate

The good guys have five spare votes but hopefully one or more Repubs will vote "Yes" to make it bipartisan.

[snacker]

3. Hooray for Minnesota!

I'll be watching next week for more good news.