ST. PAUL, Minnesota – The Minnesota House has signed off on a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, meaning voters will decide the issue in 2012.
After nearly six hours of emotional debate, the House voted 70-62 to approve the plan late Saturday.
State law already prohibits gay marriage, but supporters of the proposed amendment say it’s necessary to prevent judges or future lawmakers from making it legal in Minnesota. Critics say it’s divisive and puts discrimination in the state Constitution.
The amendment would define marriage as only between a man and a woman.
The state Senate already passed the measure. Gov. Mark Dayton has said he’ll fight the amendment, but he has no power to block it.
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