Rep. Tim Kelly

Rep. Tim Kelly

Republican Rep. Tim Kelly of Red Wing drew fire from a local LGBT group after sponsoring an amendment to ban same-sex marriage. Even though Kelly said he would vote against such an amendment if it found its way to a ballot, he still supports the issue coming before the people. Kelly is one of the few Minnesota Republicans to support any rights for LGBT couples, including domestic partner benefits and the “Final Wishes Act.”

In a chamber only three votes shy of a veto override, Kelly could play a pivotal role on those pieces of legislation.

“I am not going to be arrogant to the point that I would not allow the democratic process to be put to the test,” Kelly said a letter to the Red Wing chapter of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).

Kelly said he “would gladly vote against” a constitutional amendment if it were on the fall ballot.

Kelly said he has family members who are gay or lesbian. “What you do with your own personal life is your own personal choice and I don’t feel that it’s my right to tell you what to do with your own life. My family experience gives me a background in that area,” he told the Red Wing Republican Eagle.

PFLAG of Red Wing says that Kelly broke a campaign promise to avoid supporting the amendment and is pressuring him to support key pieces of LGBT legislation. The amendment itself died in committee this session.