MN Same-Sex Marriage Bill: House OKs FitzSimmons' 'Civil Marriage' Amendment

State Rep. David FitzSimmons (R-Albertville) made a splash in his first speech on the floor of the Minnesota House of Representatives Thursday.

His amendment to the same-sex marriage bill passed on a voice vote after a brief debate. Rep. Karen Clark (DFL-Minneapolis), the bill's co-author, spoke in support of the amendment.

FitzSimmons, who represents both St. Michael and Albertville, proposed that the phrase "civil marriage" take the place of "marriage" wherever it appears in the statutes of Minnesota.

He began his floor speech by saying he'd been in the Legislature for five months and that this was his first time speaking on the House floor.

"I am actuallly supposed to be here on the floor, in case you were wondering," he quipped.

More from FitzSimmons' speech:

"[His amendment is] giving the best chance that [the same-sex marriage bill] will fit in with current law. ...

"It's going to be a situation where no one is every completely happy. ...

"There is a distinction between what is happening at the courthouse and what is happening at ... your place of worship. 

"It's important that when we're expanding someone else's freedom or liberty that we make sure that we're not infringing on someone else's freedom or liberty. ...

"I think this amendment can help ensure that those protections of conscience can exist."

Later, during the House debate on the bill itself, FitzSimmons rose to speak again, thanking his colleagues for accepting his amendment:

"I think it's important both in its substance and in the commitment. I appreciate this body listening to me. ... If we find things [in the future] that can make [the bill] better … I just ask that you listen to me then as well."

When it came time to vote, FitzSimmons cast a "Yea" vote in favor of the bill.