Ever dream of Minneapolis DFL state Rep. Phyllis Kahn performing your wedding? How about Senate Minority Leader David Hann, R-Eden Prairie?
Those possibilities may soon come to fruition under a bill sponsored by state Sen. Foung Hawj, DFL-St. Paul.
The measure, which has bipartisan support, would add 201 legislators to the list of public officials who can perform civil marriages.
If approved, legislators would join judges, court administrators and even superintendents of the state academies for the deaf and blind as officials who can preside over civil nuptials.
Hawj said his bill would make it easier for legislators to perform marriages if asked by constituents or others.
"Many public officials officiate weddings legally, but they have to turn to the Internet and pay a fee in order to be ordained as a minister first before they can perform any wedding," Hawj said. "This bill would take care of the awkward requirement for any legislator who would like to do more for their community."
Hawj said the legislation would not require legislators to officiate at weddings — it would be entirely voluntary.
Sen. Dan Hall, R-Burnsville, an ordained minister, said he supported the legislation, but he cautioned that he still wants "people to recognize the seriousness of marriage."
