Democratic legislators have offered a proposal to legalize same-sex marriage.
DFLers on Saturday filed the Marriage and Family Protection Act, which changes the definition of those who can legally marry from "a man and a woman" to "two persons."
The proposal stipulates that the marriage is a legal institution to promote stable relationships and that the existing law "discriminates against same-sex couples."
The law would entitle gay and lesbian married couples to the same rights to a pension, Social Security survivor benefits and family and medical leave.
"These couples share lives together, participate in their communities together, and many raise children and care for dependent family members together," the proposed legislation says. "Permitting same-sex couples to marry would further Minnesota's interest in promoting family relationships and protecting family members during life crises."
It's doubtful Republicans who control the Legislature will embrace the idea. The Minnesota Senate recently passed a proposed Constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. A similar measure is making its way through the House and, if approved, could land on the ballot next year.
The Minnesota Family Council, which opposes same-sex marriage, sent an e-mail Saturday telling supporters to urge legislators to approve the amendment.
"Tell them that now is the time to pass the amendment and that any effort to postpone, delay or table the bill will be considered a vote against the amendment," the message said.
