Minn. Gov Seeker For Civil Unions Not Gay Marriage

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — An Orono businessman angling to be Minnesota governor says he supports civil unions for gay couples but wouldn't back same-sex marriage if faced with a bill legalizing it.

Republican Scott Honour said Thursday he believes marriage should remain between one man and one woman. But Honour said he would accept civil unions that provide some legal recognition to gay and lesbian couples.

Honour took media questions a day entering the race through a video rollout that focused largely on his belief that government spending should be restrained. He is one of several Republicans interested in taking on Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton.

Honour says he will seek the GOP endorsement at the party's 2014 convention but wouldn't commit to honoring that outcome, which could push him into a summer primary. He says a final decision on whether to abide by the endorsement will come later.

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