OutFront Minnesota and other LGBT groups have been rallying at Minnesota’s state Capitol for years calling for what should be regarded as basic right in the United States: equality.

During all those rallies, they’ve never been joined by Minnesota’s chief executive. Until now.

On Thursday Governor Mark Dayton not only attended, but he addressed the rally, drawing a huge cheer when he said “I’m proud to be with you, to stand with you and pledge we will continue to work to fulfill the aspirations of Minnesotans and Americans who want the same rights, freedoms, opportunity, respect, dignity and legal protections and legal opportunities as every other one of their fellow citizens which the founding principal of this country.”

Besides Governor Dayton, the crowd heard fromOutFront Minnesota and Executive Director Monica Meyer, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, and several other Minnesota legislators.

Among the speakers were the parents of a gay solider who recently passed away. Their words resonated with many in the crowd as they called for equal and just treatment for members of the GLBT community. This is an annual event, and despite cold weather and brief snow flurries, more than 1,000 Minnesotans showed up to support this cause, and more are expected in the coming years.