The proposed constitutional amendment to define marriage in Minnesota as between one man and one woman, has been defeated.
With 91 percent of precincts reporting, 52.9 percent of voters have rejected the constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, while 47.1 percent voted in favor of the amendment.
The defeat of the proposed amendment is historic, making Minnesota the first state to reject an attempt to write “man-woman marriage” into a state constitution.
“Minnesota is a prime example that we are experiencing a sea change in how Americans view their LGBT neighbors. With 30 states having voted to write discrimination into their constitutions, Minnesotans stood up and said, ‘not us,’ and more are sure to follow their lead,” said Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign, in a statement issued moments ago.
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“No amount of lies and deception funded by deep-pocketed donors could convince Minnesotans that loving and committed couples should be excluded from marriage,” said Griffin.
“Our work begins anew in the state and with new fair-minded leadership in the legislature we move forward toward a day when all families in Minnesota are protected equally under the law. Clearly the momentum is on our side with support for marriage equality – both nationally and in Minnesota – growing by the day.
“Minnesotans United for All Families exemplifies a dedicated and well run campaign with an amazing leader in Richard Carlbom. Our entire steering committee and board members Les Bendtsen and Tom Knabel have been a part of this fight since the beginning were true partners to the campaign.”
The HRC contributed more than $1 million to help defeat the amendment., and assisted in recruiting over 1,100 volunteers and sent staff to work on the campaign.
In Minnesota, constitutional amendments must surpass 50 percent of all ballots cast to be approved.
