state + local

"He wants to add language guaranteeing that any religious leader can choose not to wed same-sex couples. He also insists that kids in same-sex marriages have the same financial guarantees as children of other married couples in time of divorce." Both of those seem pretty reasonable to me (a supporter of same sex marriage) - I can't imagine "forcing" a minister, rabbi or priest who is opposed to same sex marriage to perform one. And having the same guarantees for children of same-sex couples is part of the point.

Sen. LeRoy Stumpf, the only DFLer in the Senate who voted in favor of putting the marriage amendment on the 2012 ballot. "It’s a sacrament in our church. I’m Catholic."----And this country is United States and we have been afforded the rights under the Constitution of the United States of America to be free from religious persecution and religious rule. Your job is not to convert us to Catholics. It is to create and vote on legislation that works to keep us free. It is not to limit our freedom when issues are concerning consenting adults and personal relationships.

This reminds me of the Minnesota I've only read about as history- maybe we do have men and women interested more in being respectable Public Servants rather than those smarmy Fundraising Politicians again.

This reminds me of the Minnesota I've only read about as history- maybe we do have men and women interested more in being respectable Public Servants rather than those smarmy Fundraising Politicians again...

I would like to thank Sen. Peterson. At this time it is an act of courage for a Republican to co-sponsor this bill. I hope his courage leads the way for other Republicans to join him in supporting the freedom for all to marry. We have a gay son so this is dear to our hearts. We want our son to be able to marry the person he loves just has we did 40 years ago. Senator Petersen will be remembered in history for his leadership and this mother will think of him warmly the day our son gets married.

Rep Petersen, thank you for your thoughtful consideration of an issue that means so much to many of your fellow Minnesotans. Thank you for being open to supporting the civil rights of all committed Minnesota couples.

'I wish now to indulge only myself, and I want to "marry" three women, a cow and a tractor.' You know, back in the 60's many who rallied against interracial marriage said the exact same thing. Here we are 40 years later, and the thought of that is laughable. Heck, it still is.

fdrebin, you might've missed where Branden Peterson is quoted as saying that he's happy to do whatever it takes, including risking his seat, to do the right thing and stand up to people like you. Let's act like intelligent adults and quit comparing loving, committed LGBT families to marrying inanimate objects, and instead applaud Sen. Peterson for showing the kind of leadership we don't see too often these days.

fdrebin you add nothing to the conversation. Your tired analogy has been used so many times it has no meaning anymore. If you honestly think that is where this is going then you are a fool. I am sure though that deep down you know that is not where this will lead. It's just a lame attempt by you to disparage something you fear and dislike. Also, the self indulgent comment makes no sense. This is about people wanting to be in a committed relationship.

My partner and I will be married this year. One question legislators should consider is this: would you prefer us to spend the money on Minnesota businesses or on Iowa or New England businesses. Like many GLBT couples, we will be spending in the tens of thousands of dollars on the wedding and reception--we'd prefer to do it here, but if businesses and our legislature isn't supportive of offering the same rights that other states offer us, we will gladly spend that money in states that do offer us those rights.