To All Those Involved - Thank you!

The Marriage And Family Protection Act is now introduced in the legislature and on the record. Even though there wasn't a vote on the bill this session, the fact remains that a bill designed to end official and unconstitutional discrimination against same-sex couples in the state's marriage statutes took the first step to becoming law. That step required the actions of many people of courage who believe in equality. I thank them here.

First, thanks to my old friend Representative Mike Jaros for allowing me to bring a marriage bill to the Revisor's office, on his authority, and for initially carrying the bill.

Next, thanks to Senator John Marty for carrying the bill in the Senate and for making improvements to its content. Thanks to Senators: Patricia Torres Ray, Linda Higgins, Sandra Pappas and Mee Moua for co-authoring the bill.

Thanks to Representative Phyllis Kahn for carrying the House bill and to Representatives: Mike Jaros, Cy Thao, Karen Clark, Alice Hausman, Carlos Marianni, Erin Murphy, Diane Loeffler, Augustine "Willie" Dominguez, Mindy Greiling, Neva Walker, Frank Hornstein, John Lesch and Ryan Winkler for co-sponsoring.

Thank you, to my wonderful husband, Duane, who makes me feel like the luckiest guy on the face of the earth and who makes it possible for me to be at the Capitol protesting, where I am fortunate to have him occasionally join me.

Thanks to Matt Peterson and Robert Halfhill for their contributions to the effort and to my sister, Dilly, for cheering on her little brother .

Thanks to David Strand for bringing his superior political knowledge and skills to the effort in the waning days of the session, helping to identify and secure some support for the bill and for agreeing to take a leadership role in the campaign to make the Marriage And Family Protection Act the law of the land.

Thanks to the many DFL lawmakers who frequently express solidarity and encouragement to me while I'm protesting and to a few GOP legislators who have stopped to express respect for the effort.

Also, a tip of the hat to the opposition lobbyists, Keith and Ruth Anne for being friendly enemies.

Thanks to the Revisor, Craig Lindeke, for his guidance and supportive words. Thanks to lobbyist, Dave Engstrom and other lobbyists, Capitol staff, security people, state troopers, local police officers patroling in the Capitol and visitors, young and old, for their support, encouragement and kindness.

I want to pay respect to someone I've never met, whose activism was a comfort and inspiration to me as a closeted young gay man in the seventies. Jack Baker tried to end marriage discrimination nearly four decades ago in this state through the courts and remains a symbol of the marriage equality movement. His effort is a reminder that even though the numbers may not seem to be on our side, it's important to try. That's what we're doing and we're gonna win.