In a symbolic move, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton vetoed an amendment that seeks to ban gay marriage in the state.

The Democrat, who earlier pledged to fight the effort with “every fiber of my being,” was joined by two openly gay lawmakers – Representative Karen Clark and Senator Scott Dibble – at a Wednesday news conference at the Statehouse.

On Saturday, the Minnesota House approved the amendment that seeks to define marriage as a heterosexual union and sent it to voters for their approval. The question will appear on next year's ballot.

While acknowledging that his veto won't stop the question from appearing on the ballot, Dayton said he wanted to “speak out strongly against” the amendment.

Minnesotans should “reject this mean-spirited, divisive, un-Minnesotan and un-American amendment,” Dayton said.

“The civil or legal realm of marriage is the province of government and it must conform to the protections and guarantees afforded every American citizen under our Constitution.”

“All American citizens are entitled to equal rights and protections under the law. That would clearly include the right of a citizen to marry legally the person he or she loves.”

“The path of social progress in this country has been to include everyone fully and equally. This path of social progress, of human compassion and understanding, would be tragically reversed by this amendment. Minnesota is better than this. Minnesotans are better than this. I urge Minnesotans to reject this amendment," Dayton added.



Dibble said the proposed legislation “sends a signal to young people who've been so disheartened by the actions of our legislature, who've been sent such a negative message, a message of being marginalized, a message that our constitution is not for them.”

“Our governor is saying, 'That's not the case,'” he added.

“We are going to love this thing to death,” Clark told reporters.