Minnesota officially became the 12th U.S. state to approve same-sex marriage May 14 when Gov. Mark Dayton appeared before a jubilant crowd to sign a marriage equality bill into law.
"What a day for Minnesota," Dayton told the spectators, who huddled on the steps of the State House in St. Paul. "What a difference a year and an election can make in our state."
Dayton's signature came just a day after the state Senate approved it with a 37-30 vote, the Associated Press reported.
"Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness should certainly include the right to marry the person you love," he noted.
Twelve down, 38 to go.