My uncle and his partner were on the steps of St. Paul today to celebrate this decision. Way to go, Minnesota! Finally! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/14/minnesota-gay-marriage-legal-_n_3275484.html
I raised two step-daughters from ages 8 & 10 thru college. I was a faithful husband and father. After over 15 years of marriage, my wife decided that she wanted to be single and focus on being a strong force in her oldest daughter's life (long story....one of co-dependency.) It wasn't my decision. I have a great relationship with both of my daughters (and 4 grand-children), though.
It has been voted on once already. There is a signature campaign going on right now to get to the next stage. I believe they need 800k signatures for the next level.
I understand you personally are against this, and I accept that, but why are you against the law? How does it impact your life or the 'sanctity' of your (not you personally, but in general) marriage? If a church does not believe in gay marriage, they don't have to perform them. If another does, they are free to do so. I get the argument that the state shouldn't be involved in marriage at all, that a marriage should be only in the church and separate from a civil union done by the state. I think Maxiep brings that point up. But the fact is that the state is involved. My wedding had no mention of god, wasn't in a church and is 100% legitimate as a marriage in the eyes of the state. If my churchless wedding is recognized, why shouldn't a gay wedding be as well?
I always wondered how Oregon, one of the most liberal states, hadn't passed this yet. But I guess the fact that it was voted on a few years ago showed that we were somewhat ahead of the curve. With the amount that support for gay marriage has grown in general in the past 5-10 years, i think it was more just a matter of timing for Oregon, that they tried a year or two too early. Hopefully it gets back on the ballot soon.