Activists begin to strategize for MN law legalizing same sex marriage

It was a long, brutal battle over a proposed Minnesota constitutional amendment that would have banned gay marriage – an amendment ultimately rejected by voters.

Some of the activists who campaigned against that amendment now want to build on their momentum. More than 500 gathered at a weekend conference to discuss next steps, which could legislation legalizing same-sex marriage in Minnesota.

There's no time like the present, some participants said.

"We can't let it stall out now," Bobby Long told the Pioneer Press.

Others worry it is too soon after such a divisive fight over the marriage amendment. KSTP reports the amendment was defeated in Minnesota's most populous counties, but was actually approved in 75 of the state's 87 counties.

State Sen. John Marty, DFL-Roseville, has said he plans to introduce a bill in the upcoming session to legalize gay marriage. But DFL leaders including Gov. Mark Dayton and incoming Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk have been more cautious, citing budget priorities.

Gay marriage opponents said advocates are misreading the defeat of the marriage amendment.

Chuck Darrell, spokesman for Minnesota for Marriage, said in the Star Tribune, "Most legislators understand that the election was not an endorsement of gay marriage."