Dayton's State of the State gay marriage endorsement: A picture tells 1,000 words [PHOTO]

By Aaron Rupar Thu., Feb. 7 2013 at 8:24 AM

gay marriage state of the state rect.jpg

Here's Garvin's caption: "#Dayton: '...every Minnesotan should have the freedom to marry legally...' #mnleg. back row dems, front row repub's"

During last night's State of the State address, Gov. Dayton once again went on the record in support of marriage equality.

SEE ALSO:
-- MN for Marriage's concession: "God has defined marriage as between one man and one woman"
-- Senate Majority Leader Bakk responds dismissively to pro-marriage equality email

His speech was delivered to a joint session of the legislature. Curious about how Dayton's gay marriage endorsement was received by DFLers and MNGOPers, respectively? Check out the above photo, taken and posted to Twitter by the Pioneer Press's Ben Garvin.

The Star Tribune details Dayton's gay marriage remarks and some of the reaction:

Speaking to a rare joint session of the Legislature, Dayton reaffirmed his support for legalizing same-sex marriage but stopped short of calling on legislators to pass a bill this year.

"I believe that every Minnesotan should have the freedom to marry legally the person she or he loves, whether of the same or other sex," Dayton said. "I want Minnesota to be a state which affirms that freedom for one means freedom for everyone, and where no one is told it is illegal to marry the person you love."

Before Dayton had even finished his remarks, Minnesotans United for All Families, the leading proponents of same-sex marriage, sent an e-mail to supporters urging them to thank Dayton "for his strong leadership in securing the freedom to marry in 2013."

Opponents called the governor out of touch.

"Minnesotans inherently understand that marriage is more than a government love license," said Autumn Leva, a spokeswoman for Minnesota for Marriage. "Authentic marriage is really about a personal promise with a public purpose that benefits everyone, especially kids, parents and our state's economy."

Of course, whether or not MNGOPers stand and clap or vote in support of gay marriage may not matter. As we reported last month, Sen. Scott Dibble, D-Minneapolis, thinks a gay marriage bill can get through the DFL-controlled legislature without Republican votes. Dibble said he plans to introduce a marriage equality bill toward the end of this year's legislative session.

Tags:

gay marriage, legislative session 2013

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Paul Gerold

Yes, both the Republicans and Democrats have trouble staying on task. So you both agree. Great.

Branden Strot

i didnt realize that we didnt have a budget problem last year when the republicans tried to make it a constitutional amendment that same sex couples could not get married.

Karla Rose

'stick and lick'? Nice Paul. How about let's talk about giving people long overdue equal rights? You know, those very same budget issues were around last year when the Republicans wasted all that time and money on the Marriage Amendment that was rejected by the voters. And, if I'm not mistaken, Dayton has been coming up with many proposals lately regarding the budget.

Joanie Stockman Clausen

So cool...Mike and I. Thank you Karla Rose for letting me know.

killer_weed

"Minnesotans inherently understand that marriage is more than a government love license," said Autumn Leva, a spokeswoman for Minnesota for Marriage. "Authentic marriage is really about a personal promise with a public purpose that benefits everyone, especially kids, parents and our state's economy."

That's one of the funniest things I have ever read.

Paul Gerold

I mean seriously, Minnesota faces a serious budget crisis, but let us talk about who should we sanction to "stick and lick?" Stay on task, people.

Drewey topcommenter

@Paul Gerold so our legislators can only do one thing at a time? If I could only do one task at a time I'd be bankrupt...wait, didn't republicans focus solely on social issues last 2 years? Woops, I guess I accidentally made a funny. Take your vitamins, maybe it will help your memory thus making you seem less foolish.

Darryl Fruchter

2 Like

Angry white men with receding hairlines in blue blazers and ten year old 'power' ties.....how do you spell 'loser'? R E P U B L I C A N

enjoy2

white boy club

Amanda Holmberg

1 Like

Thank you Dayton!

Karla Rose

1 Like

Mike Freiberg, My current representative and Joanie Stockman Clausen Golden Valley City Council person on the left in back. Yay for doing what it right!

Paul Gerold

With $1.3 Billion budget deficit looming, maybe the seated Reps. know a smokescreen when they see one.

MicheleBachmann topcommenter

1 Like

@Paul Gerold Republicans have proven they don't know shit about running a government. T Paw and the rest of those stupid bigots screwed the schools while hurting the economy. Dayton and adults are in charge now. The DFL can fix the economy while passing marriage equality. They aren't stupid bigot fuckups like the Republicans.

keny1

@MicheleBachmann Fixing the economy by taxing more and spending more? LOL!!

MicheleBachmann topcommenter

@keny1 @MicheleBachmann Your stupid ideas have failed. We tried them under Bush and TPaw, didn't work stupid racist idiot. That kind of stupid statement is why no one listens to stupid fucking racists like you.