Minnesotans filled all three levels of the state’s capitol on Monday while awaiting the news that the bill was passed.
On Monday May 13, Minnesota’s state Senate passed the Freedom to Marry Bill by a vote of 37 to 30. The bill will take effect on August 1, making Minnesota the twelfth state to legalize gay marriage.
The fact that the bill passed in Minnesota says a lot about how quickly people’s opinions are changing. Just two years ago, the state’s legislature decided to include a gay marriage ban on the ballot in 2012. Thankfully, the majority of Minnesotans voted against the ban, and now, just six months later, The North Star State has become the first in the Midwest to legalize same-sex marriage. This milestone is also coming from the state that brought you the infamous Michelle Bachmann, who, being known for her strong anti-gay opinions, has gone so far as to compare gays and lesbians to Satan.
What does this mean for the big picture? We will just have to wait to find out. The Supreme Court is not expected to make their decision on DOMA and Prop. 8 until June, but for now, Minnesotans can take pride in and celebrate the fact that they have reached a milestone in the long-debated issue of same-sex marriage.