Minnesota State House bans same sex marriage

The Minnesota State House banned same sex marriage yesterday by a vote of 77-56 in favor. Inclusion into the State's constution will come after it wins approval from voters in 2006.

Debate excerpt:

House Minority Leader Matt Entenza, D-St. Paul, called the House floor vote "the politics of distraction," saying Minnesota marriages are not in crisis but education and other services are.

Rep. Karen Clark, D-Minneapolis, a lesbian lawmaker, strenuously attacked the proposed amendment as threatening benefits for gays and lesbians.

She asked Rep. Dan Severson, R-Sauk Rapids, House bill author, how her long term, loving relationship was so damaging as to require a constitutional amendment. "What is threatening you?" she asked.

Rep. Michael Paymar, D-St. Paul, said the proposed amendment was disuniting to the state and meanspirited. "Today I have to say I'm ashamed of this body," he said.

Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Delano, argued that the proposed amendment was clear.

"It's not taking away the right of gays and lesbians to marry", he argued. "They just can't marry someone of the same sex", said Emmer. "I have more respect than you know for everybody's way of life," Emmer told Clark (D).

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