St. Paul, MN (AP) -The fight over gay marriage played out at the Minnesota capitol on Wednesday, with simultaneous rallies on both sides of the issue.
Gay rights activists waved rainbow flags as opponents of same-sex unions held an event in front of the capitol.
The gay marriage supporters then headed inside for their own rally, where state Sen. John Marty predicted that the legislature will pass a bill legalizing same-sex marriages next year.
Brian Brown, who heads the national organization for marriage, says Minnesota is a key battleground for gay marriage.
His group is touring the country in a quest to keep marriage defined as the union of one man and one woman.
Both sides are watching this year's elections for governor and all 201 legislative seats in Minnesota.

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