Instead of attending to the novel I was supposed to be working on, I spent the afternoon in front of the TV watching the debate over and vote on the same-sex marriage bill in the State Senate on TPT’s Minnesota Channel. I listened to the passionate and heartfelt speeches given by DFL Senators Scott Dibble, Jeff Hayden, Patricia Torres Ray and others in favor of passing the bill for legalizing same-sex marriage, and — to be honest — I muted the TV sound when senators opposing the bill had the floor.

Governor Mark Dayton signed the Minnesota legislation authorizing same-sex marriage on May 14 at the Capitol. Crowds celebrated there and in downtown St. Paul.

Today at 5 p.m., Gov. Mark Dayton signs into law the bill legalizing same-sex marriage in Minnesota. A large crowd is expected to watch Dayton sign the historic marriage rights legislation on the south steps of the Capitol in St. Paul. Barring court challenge, the law will take effect on August 1.