Sen. Ortmann Votes 'No' But MN Gay Marriage Bill Passes Committee
A House committee also passed a version of the bill Tuesday.
The Minnesota Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate File 925, a bill extending marriage rights to same-sex couples, on a party-line 5-3 vote Tuesday afternoon.
Voting against the bill was Sen. Julianne Ortmann, a Republican whose district includes Shakopee neighbors Chaska and Chanhassen.
A highlight of the debate was extended back-and-forth between opponent Sen. Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove) and Sen. Scott Dibble (DFL-Minneapolis), the bill's co-author.
Sen. Dan Hall (R-Burnsville) spoke against the bill, saying he was a nice guy—not a "bigot" as some have called him—but, he said, he has an opinion.
Sen. Ron Latz, a DFLer who represents Hopkins, St. Louis Park and Plymouth, chairs the committee.
Also voting in favor were DFLers Richard Cohen of St. Paul, Kathy Sheran of Mankato, and Kari Dziedzic of Minneapolis.
Later in the day, the House Civil Law Committee passed a version of the law in a 10-7 vote.
Now that the committees have given their approval, the measure can go before all Minnesota legislators. However, it's unknown when legislators will vote.
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To watch video of the Senate committee's discussion and vote on the bill, click on the video at the top of this post or watch it at the UpTake's Livestream webpage.
Related from the Minnesota House of Representatives, March 12, 2013:
Big_Phish
11:35 am on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Why is someone who opposes Gay Marriage called a bigot? Just because a person expresses their opinion, it doesn't make them a bigot. If I disagree with a black President, it does not make me a racist. There is one thing worst then a person that will call you a bigot, homophobic, racist, blah blah blah..... It is a person that lets them get away with it. It takes courage to lead and letting someone shut you down with a simple word is cowardice. Question: If a straight person can be Homophobic... Can a gay person be Heterophobic?
dtm14
6:47 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Actually, that is the definition of bigot. There is nothing worse than one group not allowing another the same RIGHT they enjoy.
I don't see why a gay person could not be called Heterophobic. But last I checked gay people were not asking that heterosexuals not be allowed to marry....Have you seen this? Please provide a link.