Dr. Paul Melchert got an unexpected car across the face from son Emmett at the news conference saying that children of same-sex couples are as likely to thrive as those raised by opposite-sex parents. Behind him is husband James Zimmerman with the couple's other son Gabriel.
Photos: Same-sex marriage bill
Surrounded by same-sex couples and their children, Senator Scott Dibble and Rep. Karen Clark introduced their bill to legalize same-sex marriages in Minnesota.
February 27, 2013 at 9:12PM
![Dr. Paul Melchert got an unexpected car across the face from son Emmett while he spoke at the news conference. Behind him is husband James Zimmerman with the couple's other son Gabriel. Surrounded by same-sex couples and their children, Senator Scott Dibble and Rep. Karen Clark introduced their bill to legalize same-sex marriages in Minnesota. Wednesday, February 27, 2013. ] GLEN STUBBE * gstubbe@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/NRHEJJRS52LAENXFINPSIIMIIE.jpg?&w=712)
Rabbi Michael Latz got a kiss from his daughter after speaking at the press conference. He was there with husband Michael Simon, center.
![Rabbi Michael Latz got a kiss from his daughter after speaking at the press conference. He was there with husband Michael Simon, center. Surrounded by same-sex couples and their children, Senator Scott Dibble and Rep. Karen Clark introduced their bill to legalize same-sex marriages in Minnesota. Wednesday, February 27, 2013. ] GLEN STUBBE * gstubbe@startribune.com EDS: He Asked that childrens names or ages not be used.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ZWPRF54U4MNK6WQGXYWRZRAU6M.jpg?&w=712)
Surrounded by same-sex couples and their children, Senator Scott Dibble and Rep. Karen Clark introduced their bill to legalize same-sex marriages in Minnesota.
![Surrounded by same-sex couples and their children, Senator Scott Dibble and Rep. Karen Clark introduced their bill to legalize same-sex marriages in Minnesota. Wednesday, February 27, 2013. ] GLEN STUBBE * gstubbe@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/USL6S6T2YQ27SDQU5WRQCIDNPU.jpg?&w=712)
Senator Warren Limmer, right, looked on as Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen cited studies saying "there is no gay gene" as one of the reasons he opposes a same-sex marriage bill.
![Senator Warren Limmer, right, looked on as Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen cited studies saying "there is no gay gene" as one of the reasons he opposes a same-sex marriage bill. Wednesday, February 27, 2013. ] GLEN STUBBE * gstubbe@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/A7F64BPR3QHMXG7D42REMR4DNE.jpg?&w=712)
Senator Warren Limmerspoke at a news conference along with other GOP lawmakers opposing the same-sex marriage bill.
![Senator Warren Limmerspoke at a news conference along with other GOP lawmakers opposing the same-sex marriage bill. Wednesday, February 27, 2013. ] GLEN STUBBE * gstubbe@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ZBANAQZMAD6GWUCS4HYBO5SYIU.jpg?&w=712)
The lifelong northeast Minneapolis resident led a one-vote majority through the landmark 2023 session.
