HF1761 Summary

• Replaces the legal term "marriage" with "civil union contract" throughout Minnesota statutes, allowing any two parties capable of contracting to enter into a civil union regardless of sex or gender.

• Removes the prohibition on same-sex marriage from Minnesota law, including the voiding of same-sex marriages recognized in other states.

• Requires civil union contracts to be licensed by local registrars, valid for six months, with a $115 fee, and must be signed by both parties in the presence of two witnesses at least 16 years old.

• Eliminates provisions relating to religious solemnization of marriages and establishes that religious ceremonies do not create legal marriage rights until a civil union contract is formally signed and registered.

• Removes language from civil rights law that stated the state does not condone homosexuality or bisexuality, and eliminates the definition of "acceptable lifestyle" from educational institution provisions; effective August 1, 2012.