Watch CBS News

Some Minn. Senators Went Own Way On Marriage Vote

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The capstone vote to legalize gay marriage in Minnesota put some state senators crossways with public opinion back home.

Monday's Senate vote to send the bill to Gov. Mark Dayton was described by several lawmakers as the toughest they've ever taken. Their constituents weighed marriage law last fall, when voters narrowly defeated a constitutional amendment to strengthen a ban on gay marriage.

Seven Democrats from districts where voters opposed gay marriage cast their legislative votes to make it legal. The most striking was Sen. Rod Skoe of Clearbrook, whose district favored last November's constitutional amendment by a 63 percent vote.

Ten Republicans who represent districts that resisted the amendment refused to join the push to make same-sex marriage legal. They include Senate Minority Leader David Hann of Eden Prairie.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.