Minnesota House Approves Bill Allowing Same-Sex Marriages

UPDATE: Minnesota Representatives approved with a 75-59 vote Thursday a bill legalizing same-sex marriages in the state, putting it on the road to become the 12th state in the nation to do so.

The vote came at about 3 p.m. Thursday, May 9, about three hours after the bill was introduced. 

This is about honoring difference," bill sponsor Karen Clark said. "I respect the other point of view. But there is something about being able to marry the love of your life."

Clark, a Democrat from Minneapolis, recognized her partner of 26 years in the assembly's audience.  

The vote came nearly six months to the day after a 2012 vote on a Republican-sponsored amendment item defining marriage as a union between man and woman. That, of course, was defeated on Election Day. 

“Minnesota has been a national leader on issues of human rights and equality over the years. Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives carried on that tradition with its vote for Minnesota to recognize the marriages of all loving people," said DFL Party chair Ken Martin. "In any social movement, there comes a seminal moment when people can choose to either be on the right side or wrong side of history. Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives chose to be on the right side of history." 

A companion bill is set to go in the Minnesota Senate on Monday, May 13. The DFL holds a majority in that branch of the legislature and Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk said he believes he has the votes to pass the bill as early as Monday afternoon. 

Original story: As crowds supporting both sides of the issue demonstrated outside of the Minnesota House of Representatives chambers, the march toward legalizing same sex marriages in the state began today with the presentation of House File 1054 to the floor.

Rep. Karen Clark of Minneapolis, one of the house’s openly gay members, is sponsor of the bill.

WATCH: Minnesota House of Representatives debates H.F. 1054 - Legalizing Same Sex Marriages

The eventual vote on the house floor comes just six months after a constitutional amendment to never allow the performance of same sex marriages in the state.

That 2012 election swept in a majority to the DFL, moving Democrats in control of the state house and state senate after Republicans gained control in 2010 of both branches in the Legislature. 

Gov. Mark Dayton has said, unequivically, that he would support and sign the bill. 

Freshman Rep. David Fitzsimmons (Albertville) has proposed an amendment to the bill, which added “civil” to any reference to the word “marriage” in the bill.

The House approved that amendment in the opening moments of discussion Thursday, May 9. 

Also on Minnesota Patch sites: 

Albertville Legislator's Amendment Added to Marriage Bill

Eden Pairie Legislator Votes to Remove 'Marriage' from State Law

St. Louis Park Legislator: Keep 'Marriage' as Part of Same Sex Bill

Slocum to Vote 'Yes' on Same-Sex Marriage Bill

Hopkins' Simon Fights Back Tears During Gay Marriage Debate

Eagan's Halverson on Same-Sex Marriage Bill: 'All Familes Really Do Matter'

Golden Valley's Freiberg: Look at All These Rights Long-Term Gay Couples Don’t Have

Southwest House Reps Vote 'Yes' on Same-Sex Marriage Bill

Stillwater House Members Vote Against Same-Sex Bill