Profs. Carpenter and Painter Testify at MN Senate and House Hearings on Bill to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

Professors Dale Carpenter and Richard Painter testified at hearings at the State Capitol on a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage. Carpenter said that recognizing same-sex marriages wouldn't affect business owners who object to same-sex marriage because current state law already prohibits businesses from discriminating against customers based on sexual orientation. Painter, who served in the George W. Bush White House, urged the Legislature to extend the right to marry to all Minnesotans. "Republicans understand that some things are none of the government's business, and one of them is who you marry," Painter said. The hearings were covered by Associated Press, and stories appeared in the national press.