Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Laura Yuen
ST. PAUL, Minn.

States' laws could cause complications for same-sex couples

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Minnesota becomes the 12th state in the nation where same-sex marriage is legal starting at midnight.

A law approved by state legislators in May extends state benefits to same-sex couples who marry that previously were available only to married couples of the opposite sex. The benefits range from hospital visitation rights to the ability to file joint tax returns.

But life for couples who are married in states like Minnesota, but work or seek medical treatment in states that do not recognize same-sex marriage will be complicated, University of Minnesota law professor Dale Carpenter said.

"There are already many lawsuits that have been filed that deal with some of these issues," Carpenter said. "I think we're going to see those sorts of things worked out in litigation over the next few years."

But Carpenter said gay and lesbian couples who already were validly married in other states will have their marriages legally recognized in Minnesota once the law goes into effect.

Midnight wedding celebrations are being planned across the state.

MORE ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IN MINNESOTA
• Same-sex marriages legal in Minn. beginning at midnight
Mayo: Same-sex partners must marry to keep benefit
• Photos & stories: Same-sex couples share their wedding plans
• Today's Question: Are you personally affected?
• All MPR News coverage of same-sex marriage
• Straight or gay, don't rush to the altar
• Details: The Minnesota same-sex marriage bill
• Survey: Where will the wedding bells ring?
• Video: Jack Baker and Michael McConnell predicted victory in 1970s
• Interactive: Deep roots of the marriage debate
• Special report: How the marriage amendment was defeated
• Profile: The general behind Minnesota's same-sex marriage law