St. Paul, MN – Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and straight people besieged the capitol here, raising their voices against a bill that starts the process towards a constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage, by defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman (HF1615). On May 16, chants of, “Gay, straight, Black, white – civil marriage is a right!” rang through the capitol as over 1000 people gathered in front of the House Representatives chamber doors waiting for the session to begin.

Crowds were equipped with a rainbow of signs, reading “Choose love,” “Let my mommies marry,” “Love is not about gender,” “Love is a family issue,” “Don’t legislate hate” and “This is the Capitol not the Cathedral”.

The crowd shouted “Vote no!” as the legislators filed through the hallway. Republicans who introduced the amendment were seen grimacing. Chants continued until all the politicians entered the chamber doors: “We are Minnesotans.” “Hey hey, ho ho! Bigotry has to go.”

HF1615 will be heard on the House floor before May 23. Last week, the companion bill passed 38-27 on the Senate floor.

More demonstrations are expected during the upcoming hearings and floor sessions.

#StPaulMN #HF1615