Mpls Pride Fest Abuzz After NY Gay Marriage Breakthrough
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The City of Minneapolis is in the middle of hosting its 39th annual Pride Festival, and this year's it's of special significance because of the gay marriage law that passed in New York Friday.
The breakthrough in New York came after lawmakers agreed that religious organizations will not face discrimination lawsuits if they refuse to allow same-sex weddings in their place of worship.
It was the first time a state legislature with a Republican majority approved such a bill.
In Minneapolis, many in the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) community felt Saturday that the festival was like a great family get together.
There was music, lights and people all about Loring Park, which served as the backdrop for the celebration.
While the party rocked on, many at the festival were focused on what was happening on the other side of the country.
Becka Priestley, who was also at the festival, said she thinks what happened in New York shows that America is having a change of heart in regards to the gay community.
"It would be nice if Minnesotans figured out love is more important than hate," said Jodi Wallin, who was at the festival.
Minnesota's GLBT community is hoping the movement in New York helps them in their fight to legalize gay marriage in 2012.
