Minnesota Rep. Karen Clark on Friday introduced a bill in the House that would repeal a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.

The amendment, approved last year by the Republican-controlled Legislature and slated to be voted on during the November general election, would define marriage in the state as a heterosexual union.

Clark's bill (HF 1885) would remove the measure from the 2012 ballot. The bill faces an uphill battle in a Legislature whose composition hasn't change much since last year.

The measure has the backing of 17 co-sponsors, all off whom are Democrats.

In an emotional speech to colleagues last year, Clark pleaded with lawmakers to consider her own union of 22 years in deciding on the amendment.

“Which one of you, my colleagues, do not believe I should have my basic family rights with my partner?” she asked. “Please tell me. That's what this [is] about. I've paid my dues, my required share. You have to be able to face me and face your own constituents who have been calling you and tell us that's what you believe and support.”

“Until this last election, I thought my partner and I might be able to be one of the early couples to enjoy the rights of marriage by a law getting passed and signed by Minnesota. But that possibility has changed, at least for now. And since my dad has become so ill, I have, for the first time, thought of taking a trip to Iowa, where gay marriage is legal.”

“But I beg you colleagues; please don't make me go off to Iowa.”