Reps. Hansen, Atkins Vote 'Yes' on Same-Sex Marriage Bill

The Minnesota House of Representatives passed legislation that would extend marriage to same-sex couples in a 75-59 vote Thursday afternoon.

Mendota Heights Reps. Joe Atkins (D-52B) and Rick Hansen (D-52A) both voted in favor of the measure.

The bill will go to the Senate floor Monday. If passed, Gov. Mark Dayton will be the last step to sign the bill into law.

Neither Hansen nor Atkins spoke during the debate. Atkins, though posted this item on his campaign's Facebook page on Thursday's vote:

In many places around the world, a disagreement over an emotional issue like this would boil into a battle settled with rocks or guns or bombs. Here, it is settled with speeches and political pressure and voting. I'm proud of the process and of the people here today.

and this statement, posted before debate began but tipping his hand on how he planned to vote.

Ellen (DeGeneres) is now happily married and so am I, and, as a result of our vote on the House floor today, I hope others can enjoy that opportunity as well.

Hansen and Atkins both opposed last year's marriage amendment. Hansen has been on the record since March as supporting the marriage amendment.