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Marry Me Minnesota has retained legal representation to begin the task of overturning a 38
year old legal precedent. Minnesota was the site of the first same-gender marriage lawsuit in
the nation, and that brave gay couple in 1971 lost their case. Marry Me Minnesota believes that
38 years is too long for that precedent to remain unchallenged, and that the best time to fight
for our civil rights is always now. We believe that we can win in court, but regardless of the
outcome of this case, the cause of marriage equality will be advanced. Even states where
court cases were turned back, like Washington, New York and Maryland now have statewide
legal recognition of same-gender couples, to some degree.
The lawsuit against the state will also challenge the state's Defense of Marriage Act,
which was passed in 1997. This law, among other things, prohibits the state from
recognizing same-gender marriages obtained in other jurisdictions. Overturning this law
would make it possible to have out-of-state same-gender marriages recognized as legal
here in Minnesota. At the very least, this lawsuit could mean that those who married in
other states would have full marriage rights in Minnesota.
If you choose to support us in our cause, we would greatly appreciate any support. The
cost of suing the state is estimated by our law firm to be $30,000 to $60,000, a generous
discount from the going rate. The couples who have signed on to this landmark case have
already contributed $3000 to have the case prepared for filing but we need additional
contributions from the community to achieve our goal of marriage equality.
year old legal precedent. Minnesota was the site of the first same-gender marriage lawsuit in
the nation, and that brave gay couple in 1971 lost their case. Marry Me Minnesota believes that
38 years is too long for that precedent to remain unchallenged, and that the best time to fight
for our civil rights is always now. We believe that we can win in court, but regardless of the
outcome of this case, the cause of marriage equality will be advanced. Even states where
court cases were turned back, like Washington, New York and Maryland now have statewide
legal recognition of same-gender couples, to some degree.
The lawsuit against the state will also challenge the state's Defense of Marriage Act,
which was passed in 1997. This law, among other things, prohibits the state from
recognizing same-gender marriages obtained in other jurisdictions. Overturning this law
would make it possible to have out-of-state same-gender marriages recognized as legal
here in Minnesota. At the very least, this lawsuit could mean that those who married in
other states would have full marriage rights in Minnesota.
If you choose to support us in our cause, we would greatly appreciate any support. The
cost of suing the state is estimated by our law firm to be $30,000 to $60,000, a generous
discount from the going rate. The couples who have signed on to this landmark case have
already contributed $3000 to have the case prepared for filing but we need additional
contributions from the community to achieve our goal of marriage equality.
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