UPDATE: Reps. Lohmer, Dettmer Vote 'No' on Same-Sex Marriage Bill

The Minnesota House of Representatives approved—with a 75-59 vote—a bill that would legalize same-sex marriages in the state.

Reps. Kathy Lohmer (R-Stillwater 39B) and Bob Dettmer (R-Forest Lake 39A) voted against the bill.

Lohmer said she voted no because she believes marriage is between one man and one woman, and the legislature does not have the right to change that definition.

"That has been my position since 2008 when I first ran and since learning more about the consequences of changing this definition in Massachusetts and New York, I am even more committed to this position," Lohmer said. "Changing this definition is not in the best interest of children, and I believe this decision is too focused on what some adults want and not looking to the best interest of future generations."

Last session, the DFL spoke openly about not wanting to change the definition of marriage, Lohmer said, only that they did not want the decision in Minnesota's constitution.

"They were not being honest, because before they even balanced the budget and got all of their other work done, they brought it to the floor for a vote," Lohmer said. "I am very disappointed in the process and it is clear that this DFL majority is about destroying our economy, giving us higher energy costs, destroying the best health care system in the world and now destroying the traditional family."

This is about honoring difference, the bill's sponsor, Karen Clark (DFL-Mpls) said.

"I respect the other point of view," Clark said, "but there is something about being able to marry the love of your life."

Thursday's vote came nearly six months to the day after a 2012 vote on a Republican-sponsored amendment item defining marriage as a union between man and woman. That was defeated on Election Day. 

WATCH: Minnesota House of Representatives debates H.F. 1054 - Legalizing Same Sex Marriages

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“Minnesota has been a national leader on issues of human rights and equality over the years. Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives carried on that tradition with its vote for Minnesota to recognize the marriages of all loving people," said DFL Party chair Ken Martin. "In any social movement, there comes a seminal moment when people can choose to either be on the right side or wrong side of history. Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives chose to be on the right side of history." 

A companion bill will be heard in the Minnesota Senate next week. If it passes, Minnesota would be the 12th state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage.