Minnesota's divisive fight over same-sex marriage is moving to a Capitol showdown.
Supporters of legalization are preparing to roll out House and Senate proposals as early as next month. Legislative leaders who shied away from the issue earlier now are not ruling out a vote on the measure this spring.
The push will kick off with a Summit Avenue fundraiser on Wednesday night. Richard Carlbom, architect of the effort that made Minnesota the first state in the country to defeat a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, will register as a lobbyist at the Capitol this week -- and more are coming. With just weeks to recover from the election, Minnesotans United for All Families is refiring its fundraising and the organizational operation that raised millions of dollars and galvanized tens of thousands of volunteers.
Opponents say this is what they feared all along and are gearing up to fight back.
"The defeat of the marriage amendment was not a mandate to legalize gay marriage," said Chuck Darrell, spokesman for Minnesota for Marriage.
The fight over same-sex marriage is already testing the political skills of DFLers newly in control at the Legislature and shaping up to be the most high-profile, unpredictable and contentious side drama at the Capitol. DFL legislative leaders say they are focused squarely on the budget. But they also face mounting pressure from members and outside groups that want Minnesota to join the nine other states where gays and lesbians can legally wed.
"The energy and excitement around getting this done is overwhelming," said Carlbom, campaign manager for Minnesotans United for All Families. "That is what gives us the biggest boost of confidence."
Carlbom's team is busy drafting language for a bill, which will get a ceremonial rollout at the Capitol in coming weeks.