Rep. Isaacson Explains Vote on Same-Sex Marriage Bill

State Rep. Jason Isaacson, whose District 42B includes part of Roseville, voted Thursday for the gay marriage bill known as the Marriage Equality Act.

The first-term DFL lawmaker today (Friday) issued the following statement explaining his vote: 

"With the House already having passed a comprehensive budget that eliminates our deficit and invests in priorities like education, the time was right to give this bill a vote.

 “When it comes down to it, yesterday’s vote was about making sure every Minnesotan can be with the person they love. I’m glad that same-sex couples will soon be able to gain the same happiness, protections, and rights that I enjoy with my wife.”

Isaacson's office explained, "This bill would allow civil marriages for all Minnesotans, like the kind you get at City Hall and protect religious freedoms for congregations or clergy who do not support same-sex marriage. The religious protections in the bill are widely considered to be the strongest of any state that has legalized same-sex marriage."

The Minnesota Senate is expected to vote on the measure Monday. If approved by the Senate, the legislation would go to Gov. Mark Dayton, who has indicated he would sign the measure into law.

Isaacson, of Shoreview, represents District 42B, which includes that part of Roseville north of County Road C and east of Snelling Avenue.  

For other Patch stories on the House vote on gay marriage, click on these links:

"I'm Sad This Couldn't Happen Earlier" 

Minnesota House Approves Bill Allowing Same-Sex Marriages

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