Supporters of gay marriage in Minnesota
say they are “close” to securing legislative approval of a
marriage law.
Jake Loesch, communications director
for Minnesotans United for All Families, would not divulge the number
of votes his group has secured but told the AP that the figure was
“close.”
Minnesotans United worked to defeat an
unsuccessful effort to amend the state's constitution to limit
marriage to heterosexual couples. Since November's election, the
group has turned its efforts to lobbying for passage of a marriage
bill.
Opponents have criticized the effort,
saying that opposition to a ban is not the same as support for
marriage equality.
Supporters will hold a rally at the
Capitol on Valentine's Day. The Freedom
to Marry Day Rally will kick off at 3PM at the Minnesota State
Capitol Rotunda in St. Paul on February 14.
Meanwhile, campaign finance reports
released this week show last year's fight topped $18 million.
Minnesotans United raised and spent $12.4 million, while Minnesota
for Marriage, which supported passage of the measure, spent $5.6
million.