Minnesota Gay Marriage Bill Advances

Passes state House and Senate committees

Minnesota House and Senate lawmakers have given crucial victories to supporters of same-sex marriage.

The House Civil Law Committee passed a bill to legalize gay marriage Tuesday night on a 10-7 party-line vote, with all Democrats in favor and all Republicans opposed. The Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill earlier Tuesday.

It was the first time state legislative committees have backed marriage rights for gay couples. The bills now head to the floor, where a final vote is not expected until much later in session.