Evangelist Billy Graham released a statement Wednesday endorsing Minnesota's proposed marriage amendment.

Graham, whose evangelistic association was based in Minneapolis over 50 years, says he "wholeheartedly" supports the amendment, up for vote Nov. 6. If approved, the measure would change the state constitution to define marriage as a union between a man and woman, effectively banning same-sex marriage.

Graham backed a similar constitutional amendment in North Carolina, which was approved by voters in May. He also recently met with GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney at his home in Montreat, N.C., and reportedly pledged to "do all I can to help you."

Graham's involvement in the 2012 elections has been noted by religious observers, who view it as marked change for the famed evangelist, reports the Religion News Service:

Graham, who turns 94 on Nov. 7, launched his worldwide ministry the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Minneapolis in 1950. He moved his evangelical headquarters to North Carolina in 2004.