Politics & Government

(UPDATED): Torres-Ray: Proposed Exemptions to MN Gay Marriage Bill 'Against Our Democracy'

Sen. Patricia Torres-Ray, who represents Richfield, spoke against a proposed amendment to the Minnesota same-sex marriage bill, that would've allowed exceptions to people whose religious beliefs don't recognize gay unions.

Minnesota state Sen. Patricia Torres-Ray (DFL-Richfield) spoke against an amendment to the same-sex marriage bill before the Minnesota Senate Monday, calling it "against our democracy."

The amendment, by Sen. Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa), would grant exemptions to people and businesses who decline service to gay weddings based on sincerely held religious beliefs.

"That means a hospital ... that means a nurse, a doctor could refuse to serve [gay couples]. ... If I go to Walgreen's, a person my refuse to sell me medication. ... This is against our democracy."

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Update: 1:45 p.m. May 13, 2013

Find out what's happening in Richfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The amendment was voted down.

Richfield Patch will continue to update readers on this debate.


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