May 10, 2013 - MPR’s Tom Scheck looks at the quick turnaround in political efforts on same-sex marriage. Just two years prior, Republicans, who then controlled the Legislature, thought it would help them politically to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would ban same-sex marriage. That failed on the ballot, and now with a push from Democrat legislators, an amendment allowing same-sex marriage is poised to become law.
May 13, 2013 - MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports on the Minnesota Senate passage of bill legalizing same-sex marriage in the state by a vote of 37-30, after more than four hours of debate. Only one Republican joined Democrats on the prevailing side, and three DFLers opposed the bill.
May 14, 2013 - All Thing’s Considered live coverage of Governor Mark Dayton signing a bill making gay marriage legal in Minnesota. It makes Minnesota the 12th state to take the step. MPR’s Tom Scheck describes the scene, as thousands of onlookers cheer.
May 15, 2013 - MPR’s Conrad Wilson compiles reactions of Minnesotans at the State Capitol after Governor Mark Dayton signed a bill making gay marriage legal in Minnesota.
May 20, 2013 - MPR presents a speech and commentary from U.S. Representative Tim Walz, a Democrat who represents Minnesota's 1st Congressional District. Walz tells the audience during a recent speech at the University of Minnesota that if America cares about national security, it needs to maintain moral authority in the world and address the complex issues involved in the use of drones.
May 22, 2013 - MPR’s Sasha Aslanian profiles Richard Carlbom, campaign manager for Minnesotans United for All Families. Carlbom led organization to two historic victories: the defeat of a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage last November, and the recent passage of the same-sex marriage bill.
July 1, 2013 - With first same-sex wedding ceremonies taking place in Minnesota starting August 1st, 2013, MPR’s Rupa Shenoy reports the anticipation of that day was evident at Twin Cities Pride over the weekend. Instead of an area for commitment ceremonies as there has been in previous years, there was a showcase for wedding businesses that want to help couples with their plans.
July 22, 2013 - MPR’s Sasha Aslanian looks at discussions happening in different religious communities in the state after same-sex marriage became law. Religious institutions played a big role in the long, emotional and sometimes contentious debate Minnesotans had leading up to the Legislature's vote to legalize same-sex marriage. While churches are not required to perform same-sex weddings, Minnesota law against discrimination based on sexual orientation does apply to others who might play a role in wedding celebrations.
August 1, 2013 - MPR’s Sasha Aslanian reports on the first legally wed same-sex marriages performed just after midnight on August 1st, 2013. Report includes clips and interviews from ceremonies at Minneapolis City Hall.
August 9, 2013 - Is there room in the hyper-masculine hip-hop world for gay artists? Minneapolis rapper Kevin "Kaoz" Moore thinks so. MPR’s Nikki Tundel interviews Moore about being Black and gay in the rap music scene.