Above: Sen. Scott Dibble (right) and his husband Richard Leyva arrive at the Minnesota State Capitol for the Senate debate and vote on marriage equality legislation – May 13, 2013.
Scott is the principal author of the legislation and debate on it will begin at noon. Democratic Senate leaders have said they have the votes to pass the bill, and Governor Mark Dayton is expected to sign it as soon as tomorrow. If approved, Minnesota will become the 12th state to legalize same-sex marriage, and such marriages could begin August 1st.
The imposing building pictured behind Scott and Richard is the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Paul – seat of the anti-marriage equality Archbishop John Nienstedt. It's presence is appropriate as both Scott and Richard are of Catholic background and, in the view of many, embody the best of what it means to be Catholic – regardless of what the Catholic hierarchy may think or say.
In 2011 Catholics for Marriage Equality MN, an initiative of the Catholic Pastoral Committee on Sexual Minorities (CPCSM), created a series of five video vignettes of faith, marriage and family from the perspective of LGBT Catholics and supportive family members. Scott and Richard feature in this series. To view their vignette, click here.
Recommended Off-site Links:
Minnesota Gay Marriage Debate in Senate to Begin at Noon – Megan Bodt (Pioneer Press, May 13, 2013).
Minnesota Lawmakers Prepare Final Vote on Gay Marriage – Patrick Condon and Brian Bakst (Associated Press via Yahoo! News, May 13, 2013).
In Just Two Years, Gay Marriage Makes Dramatic Turn in Minnesota – Doug Belden and Megan Boldt (Pioneer Press, May 12, 2013).
Marriage: How Minnesota Got From There to Here – Lori Sturdevant (Star Tribune, May 12, 2013).
An All-Out Push Set Up Shift on Gay Marriage – Baird Helgeson (Star Tribune, May 12, 2013).
Minnesota House Passes Same-Sex Marriage Bill – Paul Tosto (Minnesota Public Radio, May 9, 2013).
Marriage Equality Victories Show How Change Happens, One Step At a Time – Gar Alperovitz (Yes!, May 9, 2013).
See also the previous Wild Reed posts:
Karen Clark's Revolutionary Act: "Daring to Believe That People Can Change Their Hearts and Minds"
Two of the Most Inspiring Speeches of the Historic Minnesota House Hearing and Vote on Marriage Equality
Drawing the Circle Wide
At the Minnesota State Capitol, Two Big Steps Forward for Marriage Equality
"It'll Be Legal August 1st"
Both 'Marriage Amendment' AND 'Voter Photo ID Amendment' Rejected by Minnesota Voters
In the Struggle for Marriage Equality, MN Catholics are Making a Difference by Changing Hearts and Minds
The Minneapolis (and Online) Premiere of Catholics for Marriage Equality
Marriage: "Part of What is Best in Human Nature"
A Head and Heart Response to the Catholic Hierarchy's Opposition to Marriage Equality
In Minnesota, Catholics Sing Their Support for Marriage Equality
"A Thoughtful, Entertaining, and Inspiring Event"
Lisa Cressman's Concise, Reasonable Answers to Marriage Equality Questions
Image: Michael J. Bayly.
Congratulations Michael. You have been engaged in a sort of war which will send a huge message to the USCCB and Cardinal Dolan. I have so much respect for your patience and focus. Moral of the story is we never know how the story ends.
ReplyDeletePeace and love and joy for you.