Southwest Metro Legislators Vote No on Same-Sex Marriage

Sen. David Hann (R-District 48) took exception to accusations that opponents of the same-sex marriage bill are bigots during Monday’s Senate debate on the bill.

“We’re all opposed to the idea of unfairly discriminating and being prejudicial against our fellow citizens,” said Hann, whose district includes Eden Prairie and Minnetonka. “It’s not about that. And I think, frankly, for those of us who differ on this issue to be accused of those things is deeply, deeply offensive because it is untrue.”

Hann said gay marriage supporters are shutting down honest debate by calling people names and added that the issue has been divisive because it strikes at a very fundamental understanding of human nature.

Hann had support from south of the river. Both Shakopee's legislators—Sen. Eric Pratt (R) and Rep. Mike Beard (R)—voted against the measure. Though neither has released an official statement about the vote, the two men have expressed strong opposition to same-sex marriage in the past. 

For his part, Hann said that same-sex marriage goes against the natural order. He said heterosexual marriage is the only institution that unites children with their biological mothers and fathers. 

“I think if we do that, we may be giving, for the first time, legislatures the power to do things that legislatures don’t have the power to do—to change something that they really don’t have the power to do,” he said, adding later. “These are not fringe beliefs or transient beliefs, but these are longstanding, long-held beliefs by millions of people in this state and across the country.”

Hann also rejected the argument that the legalization of same-sex marriage wouldn’t affect those who aren’t homosexual. He worried that the bill could set up a conflict with religious freedom and argued that it would be a significant cultural change.

“Let’s be honest, that this redefinition, this changing of what marriage means will affect all of us. It will affect all of us,” he said.

Ultimately, the senate voted to approve same-sex marriage, 37-30.