Mpls City Council Votes Against Ban On Gay Marriage

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Minneapolis City Council voted unanimously on Friday against a proposed state constitutional amendment to ban marriage for same-sex couples in Minnesota.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak will sign the measure, which also urges state residents to vote against the amendment in November.

City officials said also approved a resolution Friday voicing their opposition to the amendment. In 1991, Minneapolis became the first city in the state to approve a domestic partnership registry. Since that time, about 160 same-sex couples register their relationship in the city.

"We took this step because it is critical that every person in Minneapolis can make a commitment to the person they love," said Mayor R.T. Rybak.

"Minneapolis has a history of embracing diversity, and we're a stronger community for it," said Council Member Elizabeth Glidden.