Same-sex marriage fight grips Capitol-State Senate again turns back floor vote; rallies planned

Pioneer Press ^ | 3-21-06 | RACHEL E. STASSEN-BERGER

[Rakkasan1]

The consternation and controversy over gay marriage intensified Monday as the Minnesota Senate twice turned back attempts to force a vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to define marriage as only the union of one man and one woman. The votes, both on procedural motions, came the day before a rally that is expected to bring thousands of amendment supporters to the Capitol. And the votes were only hours after Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Russell Anderson strongly denied there was any truth to disputed comments Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson made about the court's position on the 1997 law defining marriage. Johnson told a group of fellow pastors in January that he received assurances from Supreme Court members that they would not "touch" the 1997 law that defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Johnson essentially retracted those comments last week but maintained that he had a casual conversation with at least one justice about the law. "This just never happened," said Anderson, who has confirmed that with all of the current Supreme Court justices and former Chief Justice Kathleen Blatz. Judges, he said, have it ingrained in them never to discuss any matter that could come before them — and that includes the marriage law. Not only did no justice give Johnson any assurances, "there was no conversation about the Defense of Marriage Act," Anderson said during a conference call with reporters.

[Rakkasan1]

Johnson looks like more of an assclown every day. he should resign his leadership position. He's the Jimmy Swaggart of MN preachers.

[CheyennePress]

Now there's a parade I'd be willing to march in!