On Tuesday, the Minnesota House
approved a measure that allows gay and lesbian couples to control the
remains of a loved one. If approved, it would be the first time the
state has recognized gay couples as domestic partners.
House members approved the measure on a
78-to-55 vote.
The measure, sponsored by Rep. Eric
Murphy, a Saint Paul Democrat, allows a surviving domestic partner to
decide what to do with the remains of a loved one. Currently, only
married spouses can make such decisions under Minnesota law. The
measure also allows a partner the right to sue to recover funeral and
hospital costs in the event of a wrongful death.
“This legislation eliminates two of
515 Minnesota laws that discriminate against committed couples,”
Murphy told Minnesota Public Radio.
“I think it's important because we
should never tolerate discrimination in Minnesota,” she added.
Gay marriage advocates in February
hailed
a first-ever hearing on legislation that would give gay and lesbian
couples the right to marry.