Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton on
Wednesday reiterated his support for gay marriage.
Dayton, a Democrat, made his remarks in
his State of the State address.
“Let me mention one other cause,
which is controversial, but consistent with my faith and my
principles,” Dayton
told lawmakers. “And, more importantly, consistent with this
country's founding principles and its Constitution. 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.”
“Last year, Minnesotans began a
conversation about why marriage matters, and we found our common
belief that it is about love, commitment and responsibility. 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.”
Dayton opposed last fall's unsuccessful
referendum which sought to limit marriage to heterosexual couples.
Supporters are now mounting a campaign to legalize marriage equality
in Minnesota.
Other governors who have recently
mentioned gay rights in high-profile speeches include Pat
Quinn of Illinois, Jack
Markell of Delaware and John
Hickenlooper of Colorado.