Minnesota Senate Approves Gay Marriage

The Minnesota state Senate has voted to legalize gay marriage, putting the state on the brink of becoming the 12th to allow same-sex couples to marry. Today's vote sends the bill to Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton, who has promised to sign it and could do so tomorrow. The state Senate voted 37-30 to pass the bill. The bill passed the House last week. It allows same-sex weddings beginning August 1.

With Dayton's signature, Minnesota would be the first Midwestern state where elected representatives voted directly to allow gay marriage. Iowa has had gay marriage since 2009, but that was due to a court ruling. Just six months ago, Minnesota voters rejected an effort to ban gay marriage in the state constitution. (More gay marriage stories.)