Politics & Government
Richfield Senators Vote 'Yes' on Same-Sex Marriage Bill
The Senate approved the measure and it will now move to Gov. Mark Dayton's desk for his signature.
Richfield Sens. Melissa Halvorson-Wiklund (D-50) and Patricia Torres-Ray (D-63) both entered yea votes Monday afternoon on legislation that would allow for same-sex marriage in Minnesota. The measure passed 37-30, could be signed into law by Gov. Mark Dayton as soon as Tuesday.
During the final debate, Torres-Ray said—in both Spanish and English—it was because of her faith and her background that she would be voting in favor of the bill
"Many of you may ask why a Catholic immigrant would have such a strong committment to this issue," she said. "My neighbors. Lesbian women who became parents with me 20 years ago."
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Torres-Ray said whether she's fighting for immigration reform or for marriage equality, it's all the same; it's all about justice and equality.
"Son las mismas cosas ... Es sobre egualidad," she said in Spanish referring to her committment to all issues that would promote equality for all.
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This debate marked the first time Torres-Ray spoke in her native language on the Senate floor, she said.
Torres-Ray also spoke on one of the two proposed amendments earlier in the day. The amendment, introduced by Sen. Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa), aimed to expand protections to all organizations, businesses or individuals affiliated with or connected with religious organizations.
Sen. Scott Dibble (D-Mineapolis), the bill's sponsor, called Gazelka's amendment unconstitutional, saying it would go beyond sexual-orientation and open the door for any organization offering a public service to refuse service to anyone. Torres-Ray agreed and said:
"As a person of deep religious, moral convictions … How could we possibly think about entertaining an amendment that containss the harshest religious, discriminatory language? ... This is fundamentally against our principles as a democracy."
Read: Torres-Ray: Proposed Exemptions to MN Gay Marriage Bill 'Against Our Democracy
The amendment, along with another regarding non-gender specific language, were both struck down.
Related at Richfield Patch:
- (UPDATED): Torres-Ray: Proposed Exemptions to MN Gay Marriage Bill 'Against Our Democracy
- Minnesota Senate Next Hurdle for Gay Marriage Bill
- Minnesota House Approves Bill Allowing Same-Sex Marriages
- Slocum Votes 'Yes' on Same-Sex Marriage Bill
- VIDEO: Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passes Minnesota Senate Finance Committee
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