Gay Marriage in Minnesota

Today the Minnesota Senate votes on whether or not gay people can legally marry someone of the same sex. It’s expected to pass and Governor Dayton has said he will sign the bill if it lands on his desk tomorrow.

It’s about time.

If it passes same – sex marriages can begin August 1st, 2013. Minnesota would be the 12th state to legalize gay marriage.

Currently same-sex marriage is legal in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, Maine, Maryland, Washington, the District of Columbia.

I’m thrilled that Minnesota is going to become a state that recognizes marriage equality and am hopeful that the domino effect will take hold and all other states will follow suit.

While views have evolved over the years about gay marriage, there are still many who would prefer to ban gay marriage. I’ll never understand the belief that gays shouldn’t be allowed to marry someone whom they love and who happens to be of the same sex. I don’t understand it because gays can get married, they can only marry someone of the opposite sex which makes for a very difficult and confusing marriage.

I know because I grew up in one them.

Gay people have been getting married since forever so banning gay marriage does nothing but force gay people to marry someone of the opposite sex, someone they may love but ultimately may find difficult to remain committed.

The argument that same-sex marriage erodes traditional marriage is the biggest crock of shit I have ever heard. Straight people have been eroding marriage just fine without the help of gay people. I know I’ve done my part having two marriages – so far.

I can attest to the fact that growing up in a mixed orientation marriage is confusing, shameful, loud and just downright hell. I think most people would agree that growing up with parents who love and respect one another is preferred to one where lying, arguing and sadness are the rule.

I expect this bill to pass, as do many who are opposed to it. The best thing about this issue is that sooner, rather than later, it will simply age out. The people who fear gays will die out. The kids coming up, the ones who will rule this world very soon, don’t care a bit if someone is gay. And that is incredibly refreshing.

Today will be an historic day in Minnesota. Today is the day we vote for the family, for equality and for freedom.