Minnesota marriage bill survives block attempt

ST. PAUL — The bill to allow weddings for same-sex couples in Minnesota has survived several moves by Senate Republicans to block it.

Majority Democrats defeated Republicans' motions today to stall the bill's progress during a Senate floor session and in a Rules Committee meeting. Republicans say they want more information about whether it would cost tax money to allow gay couples to marry, either in court costs or state employee benefits.

The bill's backers say any costs would be tough to estimate and not very high.

Three rural Democratic senators sided with the GOP. One Republican, Sen. Branden Petersen, sided with Democrats.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the gay marriage bill Tuesday. A full Senate vote is not likely until later this spring.

Tags: news, politics, minnesota, legislature, family