Minn. House Panel Advances Marriage Ban

The Minnesota house civil law committee approved a proposed constitutional amendment against marriage equality on Monday, following approval by a senate panel last week.

According to Minnesota Public Radio, the panel moved the amendment forward with a 10 to 7 party line vote after impassioned debate from both sides.

Republicans in control of the legislature are making an effort to fast-track the amendment to the ballot in 2012. Gov. Mark Dayton, a Democrat, opposes the effort but holds no veto power, and passage requires only simple majorities in both houses.