UPDATED: Slocum Votes 'Yes' on Same-Sex Marriage Bill

The Minnesota House passed the same-sex marriage bill in a 75-59 vote Thursday afternoon.

Rep. Linda Slocum did indeed vote in favor of the bill. See what she had to say before the vote, below.

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Richfield House Rep. Linda Slocum told Patch she would be voting in favor of the same-sex marriage legislation on the floor of the Minnesota House of Representatives Thursday afternoon.

The full House is debating the bill and is expected to vote Thursday. If the bill passes the Minnesota Senate will take it up on Monday. The following is a statement Slocum gave in an e-mail to Patch Thursday:

"This is a historic day in Minnesota. In voting for the marriage equality bill, I am voting to allow civil marriages for all Minnesotans. The bill also ensures no religious congregation or clergy would be compelled to perform a marriage ceremony that conflicted with their beliefs.

"Many of my constituents, in Richfield and Bloomington, have contacted me about their thoughts on this issue. My vote reflects the sentiment of the overwhelming majority of these conversations.

"Minnesotans don't turn their backs on family. No member of anyone's family—gay or straight—should be singled out and denied the basic freedom to marry who they love, simply because of who they are. It's time for marriage equality for all Minnesotans."

WATCH LIVESTREAM VIDEO of the House debate and vote on Thursday.

Richfield Patch will update readers as the House continues its debate.

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