Political signs addressing the same-sex marriage debate could be seen everywhere Monday on the steps to the state Capitol.

The variety ranged from "Don't impose your same-sex beliefs" to "Three words that will save the economy: Gay bridal registry."

But for every sign, there were dozens of people debating whether Minnesota should become the 12th state in the country to legalize gay marriage.

Here's what four people at the Capitol had to say on Monday, May 13, about a historic debate in the state Senate.


Nick Sky doesn't hate gay people.

But the 28-year-old from Plymouth was one of the few on the Capitol steps around 8:30 a.m. Monday holding a sign in opposition to the drive for same-sex marriage in Minnesota. Sky acknowledged that same-sex marriage supporters maintained a significant advantage in numbers demonstrating at the Capitol on Monday.

But he stayed, nonetheless, with a sign that read: "Proud father of a God-approved family."

This past fall, Sky worked with his church to help distribute bumper stickers in support of a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Minnesota; voters rejected the measure in November.

Supporters of same-sex marriage are trying to advance an agenda, Sky believes, that could wrongly influence children.

"People have their own will. We're all sinners in God's eyes," said Sky, who is self-employed in construction work. "But I don't like them forcing the issue to the point where they're going to start teaching in schools that it's normal."


Nate Grove grew up in a small Minnesota town where coming out was no easy matter.

So, he moved to Hawaii -- where he came out as a gay man a few years ago and worked for legislation in that state to allow same-sex unions.

When the 29-year-old moved back to Minnesota, Grove quickly got involved with efforts to support the proposed legislation here. One-on-one conversations have been key, he said, to promoting a better understanding of the issue.

"I wasn't able to sway anyone in my family personally, but I've been able to have conversations with people that just give them a different perspective than they're used to hearing," said Grove, who works as a drywall installer and currently lives in Minneapolis.

"I see it more as just leveling the field, making everyone equal," he said. "I have no desire personally to get married, but I don't see why it's not (an option) already."


At age 87, Ava Dale Johnson has made several trips to the Capitol over the years for political causes.

On Monday, the retired teacher leaned against a railing on the Capitol steps while supporting the drive for same-sex marriage. When her son came out as a teenager, Johnson got involved with a support group for gays and lesbians, and has since become an advocate for gay rights.

It's a cause she shares with many in her church, Johnson said, as well as friends and family members. The cultural shift over the years has been profound, she added, recalling days when people only spoke of being gay in hushed tones.

"We've come such a long, long way," said Johnson, who has lived in St. Paul for 44 years.

"We want to support equality in marriage," she said. "There's no way that I want them to be discriminated against. They have a right to share in whatever benefits are provided for all people."


In some cases, the debate over same-sex marriage can be painful within families.

Judy Shea, 65, of Minneapolis, was sitting on the Capitol steps Monday morning to express her opposition to the same-sex marriage legislation. Gay marriage is contrary to natural law, Shea said, and conflicts with her beliefs as a Catholic.

Even though the bill was widely expected to pass the Senate on Monday, Shea said she thought it was important to witness the process and register her opposition.

But Shea's brother is just as passionate a supporter of the legislation, and their differences on the issue have prompted some difficult discussions.

"It's really hard to be on the other side, to have family members that are in pain and speaking differently about this," Shea said. "It's not comfortable."

The outcome of the Senate vote wasn't a surprise, Shea said on Monday night. But she doesn't think the debate on same-sex marriage is over.

"Many people who think it's wrong would say they weren't really sure how to explain it," Shea said. "But we have to be prepared to explain ourselves. ... This will continue."
