By Brittny Drye
Same-sex marriage in Minnesota now moves forward after victories in the House and Senate panels on Tuesday.
The House Civil Law Committee passed a bill to legalize gay marriage Tuesday night, with a 10-7 party divided vote, all Democrats on board while all Republicans opposed, and the Senate Judiciary Committee had passed a bill earlier Tuesday. The bill will now move to the floor, where it’s expected to be voted on later this season.
Tuesday night’s results came after a day of emotional hearings, including Lynne Osterman, a former lawmaker in St. Paul who casted a vote for a constitutional ban against same-sex marriage in 2004. Through tears, she explains, “I can tell you from experience that you will have to live knowing that a ‘No’ vote is not fair, it’s not respectful, and it’s not equal. I blew my vote, and I’m imploring you to please get this right.”
Watch her testimony here: