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Gay Marriage Ban Supporters Raise Over $1.2M

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Groups supporting a constitutional ban on gay marriage in Minnesota say they've raised more than $1.2 million to persuade voters to approve the ballot measure in November.

Minnesota for Marriage, the main coalition backing the amendment, says it raised $830,000 last year and recruited more than 10,000 volunteers.

The Minnesota Catholic Conference says it raised $750,000, including $650,000 from the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and $50,000 each from the dioceses of New Ulm and Duluth. The conference then contributed $350,000 to Minnesota for Marriage.

The archdiocese says it was part of a statewide effort of bishops. It says the money it donated came from investment income, not collection plates or other donations.

The largest anti-amendment group, Minnesotans United for All Families, has more than $1.2 million.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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