Minnesota: Same-sex marriage bills set for debate this week

The Minnesota state legislature will begin addressing whether or not to repeal the state's anti-gay marriage law this week as the issue goes to committee's in both state chambers.

With strong Democratic numbers in each committee, the bills are expected to make their way to debate in the full chambers. However, Republicans and rural Democrats oppose the concept, so passage is far from certain.

But there are Republicans who see the direction of history, like Chairman Ryan Lyk of Minnesota College Republicans.  From Grand Forks Herald:

“It is not the role of government to dictate who can be married, whose love is valid and which families matter more than others,” Chairman Lyk said. “Marriage benefits society in many ways and I cannot in good conscience support excluding same-sex couples from that important institution.”

Lyk said he does not speak for everyone in his organization, but “I know I speak for many young Republicans when I say that it is time for the Republican Party to move past this issue.”