Minnesota Marriage Debate

Conflict over the marriage amendment is a local story playing out in every community across the state. In partnership with KARE11, MPR News took a road trip through greater Minnesota to take the pulse of this issue in several cities. KARE 11 Marriage Debate coverage and videos

Love is love vs. sin is sin in Moorhead

The marriage debate has spilled onto T-shirts at Concordia College. One student who believes homosexuality is against God has stirred up controversy by printing "sin is sin" T-shirts to counter the prevailing view on campus that "love is love."

Click for full coverage and video from KARE11 of the Marriage Amendment Debate in Moorhead

Grand Rapids neighbors are divided

The birthplace of Judy Garland, an icon in the gay community, is also a hotbed in the marriage debate. Catholic and conservative churches are leading the effort to pass the amendment, while a small but visible gay community tries to persuade voters that their neighbors will be hurt by it.

Click for full coverage and video from KARE11 of the Marriage Amendment Debate in Grand Rapids

Marriage amendment divides socially conservative DFL stronghold

The issue of who should be able to marry divides families, churches, towns and political parties. That's evident on the Range, a socially conservative DFL stronghold where both sides hope to win – and where feelings about the amendment run deep.

Click for full coverage and video from KARE11 of the Marriage Amendment Debate in Hibbing

Marriage debate divides Granite Falls

Southwestern Minnesota is likely to be strong territory for amendment supporters. DFL lawmaker Lyle Koenen was one of three Democrats to break with his party and vote to put the amendment on the ballot. Locals say people here prefer to keep their political opinions close to the vest. Opinions run deep, and people are divided.

Click for full coverage and video from KARE11 of the Marriage Amendment Debate in Granite Falls

Deep Catholic roots influence St. Cloud marriage debate

Deep Catholic roots are influencing the conversation in St. Cloud, but they are by no means dominating it. Amendment opponents report it's also the place with the highest rate of "moved voters," making this a volatile area.

Click for full coverage and video from KARE11 of the Marriage Amendment Debate in Saint Cloud

Uneasy bedfellows, religion and politics in Red Wing

State Rep. Tim Kelly was one of four Republicans to break with his party and vote against putting the amendment on the ballot. A vocal and well-organized chapter of a gay rights organization is leading opposition to the amendment in Red Wing, while supporters have largely held conversations in homes to talk about the issue privately.

Click for full coverage and video from KARE11 of the Marriage Amendment Debate in Red Wing

Red Wing Granite Falls Moorhead Grand Rapids St. Cloud Hibbing
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