Dibble's Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passes

After similar measures failed in past sessions, Sen. Scott Dibble's same-sex marriage bill was passed by the Senate in a 37-30 vote Monday afternoon.

Dibble (D-61) and fellow Southwest Minneapolis Sen. Jeff Hayden (D-62) both entered yea votes Monday afternoon. Dibble, along with the bill's co-author Republican Sen. Branden Peterson and Reps. Karen Clark (DFL-62A) and Steve Simon (DFL-46B), introduced the bill back in February. The Minnesota House passed the measure last Thursday in a 75-59 vote.

When the measure was introduced Monday, Dibble called it "a very simple bill," and added that "sometimes the simplest bills are the most powerful."

Read: Dibble Introduces MN Same-Sex Marriage at MN Senate: 'A Very Simple Bill'

Amendments Proposed ... and Declined

Sen. Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove) and others were concerned about protecting religious institutions, with Sen. Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa) proposing an amendment to expand protections to all organizations, businesses or individuals affiliated with or connected with religious organizations.

Dibble 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.

"This amendment is breathtaking," Dibble said. "Where does it stop? ... Seven days a week people can believe what they believe ... When [people providing a public service] open themselves up for business, they can’t pick and choose who can walk through their door."

The amendment did not pass. A second amendment regarding non-gender specific language was also declined.

The Debate

Southwest Sen. Jeff Hayden took the opportunity to share his reasonings for supporting the bill on the Senate floor. Recalling Loving v. Virginia, Hayden reminded Senate members of a time when interracial couples were prohibited from being married.

Read: Same-Sex Marriage in Minnesota: 'It's Going to Be OK'

"Eventually the supreme court said we had to stop this," Hayden said.

He went on to say that if laws against interracial couples were still on the books today, he wouldn't have his wife, who is white, or his two children.

"I wouldn't have been able to give my daughter a hug and a kiss this morning before she went to camp," he said.

"I think it's going to be O.K." Hayden also said. "I think that hopefully when we pass this bill … you will find when we come back here next year that people are going to be O.K. in Minnesota."

Peterson, the bill's co-sponsor and a republican representative from Andover, said: "When I walk out of the chamber today, I’m absolutely sure I am standing on the side of individual liberty."

Dibble began his speech by reading excerpts from Langston Hughes' poem, "Let America Be America Again."

Let America be America again.

Let it be the dream it used to be.

Let it be the pioneer on the plain

Seeking a home where he himself is free.

Following the poem, Dibble recalled the pain he felt when the marriage amendment was first approved by the legislature last year. While he was hurt then, he said he was oddly grateful now.

"Today we have the power, the awesome, humbling power to make dreams come true," he said. "As kids growing up, what do we all dream of? A good life. A happy home. Falling in love with someone. Sharing that life and a loving family. And marriage says family like nothing else."

"I’m a lucky guy," he continued. "I’ve met the person I can’t live without. Richard and I have a love that I can’t even begin to describe."

Dibble went on to say the bill's passage wouldn't redefine marriage, but rather remove barriers.

"I promise you, nothing will change, he said. "We are redefining nothing. … We will be removing the barriers. There is no limit to love. No limit. It’s not going to be all used up."

Related at Southwest Minneapolis Patch:

• Same-Sex Marriage in Minnesota: 'It's Going to Be OK'
• Dibble Introduces MN Same-Sex Marriage at MN Senate: 'A Very Simple Bill'
• Minnesota Senate Next Hurdle for Gay Marriage Bill
• Dibble on House OK of Marriage Bill: A 'Step in the Destiny of Our Country'
• Minnesota House Approves Bill Allowing Same-Sex Marriages
• Southwest House Reps Vote 'Yes' on Same-Sex Marriage Bill
• VIDEO: Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passes Minnesota Senate Finance Committee