This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

Oakdale Sens. Kent, Wiger Cast 'Yes' Votes on Same-Sex Marriage Bill

Gov. Mark Dayton's office announced a signing ceremony set for 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 14.

The state Senate passed a bill Monday that will make Minnesota the 12th state in the nation to allow same-sex couples to marry, and both of Oakdale's senators — Sen. Susan Kent (D-53) and Sen. Charles Wiger (D-43) voted in favor of the bill.

The bill passed by 37-30 vote, and Gov. Mark Dayton announced a signing ceremony planned for 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 14.

Last week, Oakdale representatives — Rep. Leon Lillie (D-43B) and Rep. JoAnn Ward (D-53A) — both voted in favor of the bill in the lower chamber.

Find out what's happening in Oakdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Wiger spoke in favor of the bill during the debate on the Senate floor Monday.

Below is Kent’s statement in full:

Find out what's happening in Oakdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“This bill is about fairness, equality, rights and justice. It is for loving, committed couples who need the protection that marriage provides so they can visit their partner in the hospital and their children have legal and emotional security.  

“We need to ensure all couples have the same rights and recognitions under law without jeopardizing religious liberty. This bill explicitly states that no church or religious institution is required to perform, participate in or support a marriage that violates its religious doctrine. Additionally, the legislation adopts the term ‘civil marriage’ to better distinguish it from religious marriages. 

“In addition to bipartisan support in the Senate, both representatives from District 53, Representative JoAnn Ward (DFL-Woodbury, 53A) and Representative Andrea Kieffer (R-Woodbury, 53B), supported the measure last week. People on both sides of the aisle are putting aside partisanship to support love, freedom and equality.” 

 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Oakdale