Opponents of a proposed gay marriage
bill in Minnesota are traveling around the state this weekend to
rally against the measure.
On Friday, Minnesota for Marriage held
an outdoor rally in Hinckley. They traveled to three rural cities on
Saturday: Duluth, Grand Rapids and Brainerd. Sunday's schedule
includes stops in Detroit Lakes and Morris.
“With the metro area and gay
'marriage' lobbyists trying to force gay 'marriage' on the majority
of Minnesotans who want our state's marriage law left as it is, we
are ready to help Minnesotans around the state connect with their
legislators in St. Paul,” the group's director of grassroots,
Crystal Crocker, said in a statement.
Its rally in Duluth was held outside
Mount of Olives Baptist Church. Holding up pink signs which read
“Don't Erase Moms And Dads From MN Public Policy,” the crowd
heard from a number of speakers.
“What we're doing is we're connecting
with people out in greater Minnesota, urging them to contact their
representatives or senators and urge them to vote no on this bill,”
Minnesota for Marriage spokesperson Autumn Leva said.
An additional five rallies are
scheduled for next weekend.
The proposed bill has cleared
legislative panels in the Minnesota House and Senate and awaits
action in both chambers.
(Related: Minnesota
House, Senate to vote on gay marriage bill.)