Minneapolis mayor delivers wedding invites to gay Wisconsinites

Minneapolis mayor delivers wedding invites to gay Wisconsinites

Written by Lisa Neff, Staff writer
Sep 21, 2013

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak traveled to Milwaukee and Madison earlier this month to deliver wedding invitations to Wisconsinites.
Because Wisconsin bans same-sex couples from marrying, Rybak suggested gay couples exchange vows in the more welcoming state of Minnesota, specifically in the City of Lakes.
Minnesota’s marriage equality law went into effect on Aug. 1. In less than two months, 1,640 same-sex couples have applied for marriage licenses – that’s one in three marriage licenses granted during that time. Rybak has officiated at more than 40 same-sex weddings, including that of Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau to Police Sgt. Holly Keegel.
On Sept. 9, the Minneapolis mayor stopped by the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center to talk about marriage equality and invite same-sex couples to take a 337-mile trip to exchange vows.
He also went to Madison to court the LGBT community and spread the equality message.
“Minnesotans and Wisconsinites are almost like family: We know each other well and see each other often. Now, our Wisconsin cousins have another great reason to come see us in Minneapolis: to get married,” said Rybak. “Gay and lesbian couples from Madison and across Wisconsin don’t have to wait one more day to get legally married in Minneapolis. We’re a supportive and welcoming city where we’re ready to help them put together the wedding of their dreams.”

Madison Mayor Paul Soglin added, “It’s time for Wisconsin for to join the 21st century and do the right thing. Eventually, we will recognize same-sex marriage – and the sooner, the better.”
Katie Belanger of Fair Wisconsin spoke at the events in Madison and in Milwaukee, advocating for equality at home.
“Wisconsin’s antiquated and discriminatory laws banning marriage equality and civil unions are bad for our people and our economy, and put our entire state at a disadvantage to our more welcoming neighbors,” she said.

In addition to Minnesota, 12 other states and the District of Columbia have legalized same-sex marriage. Also, county clerks in New Mexico and one county official in Pennsylvania have issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The legal status of theses marriages remains unclear.

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AGENT J said:

Minneapolis mayor delivers wedding invites to gay Wisconsinites | Wisconsin Gaze | Wisconsin Gazette - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) News




He's at it again, last story was about him reaching out to Chicago now he is reaching out to Wisconsin. Equality is going to spread faster than we know it and IMO its hard to believe, i didnt think equal rights would spread as fast as it currently is.

this was the last story and thread.
http://www.debatepolitics.com/break...eapolis-courts-chicagos-same-sex-couples.html
Mayor To Gay Couples: 'I Want To Marry You In Minneapolis' : The Two-Way : NPR

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