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Minnesota Gay Rights Group Reacts To Judge's Ruling

By Susie Jones, NewsRadio 830 WCCO

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Hennepin County judge has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to make gay marriage legal in Minnesota.

Judge Mary Dufresne rejected arguments by the group Marry Me Minnesota that the state's 13-year-old Defense of Marriage Act violates same-sex couples' rights to due process, equal protection, religious freedom and freedom of association.

The judge wrote in an order Monday that she's bound by a 1971 Minnesota Supreme Court decision that says the Legislature has the power to limit marriage to one man and one woman.

OutFront Minnesota, a gay rights group, is disappointed but not surprised.

Phil Duran is legal director. He says while they agree with the group Marry Me Minnesota, that there should be marriage equality in the state, they differ on how to fix the problem.

"We are committed to working with the legislature, and the governor to achieve marriage equality in the state," he said.

An appeal of the ruling is expected.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Susie Jones Reports

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