Gay Rep. Karen Clark Implores Colleagues To Let Her Marry In Minnesota

[steve2470]

http://ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=8444&MediaType=1&Category=26

Minnesota Representative Karen Clark, one of two openly gay lawmakers serving in the Minnesota House, on Saturday pleaded with lawmakers considering a gay marriage ban to let her marry in Minnesota.

After roughly five hours of often emotional debate, House members voted 70 to 62 in favor of Republican Representative Steve Gottwalt's amendment, which seeks to define marriage as a heterosexual union in the Minnesota Constitution, sending it to voters for their approval during next year's general election. Minnesota currently bans such unions by law, but supporters say it remains vulnerable to legal challenges without the amendment.

Four Republicans – Tim Kelly, John Kriesel, Rich Murray and Steve Smith – joined all but two Democrats – Denise Dittrich and Lyle Koenen – in voting against the measure.

Clark spoke of her 22-year relationship with her partner Jacqueline, and implored House members to allow them to marry in her home state.