Minneapolis Mayor To Chicago Gay and Lesbian Couples: Get Married In Minnesota

By Chuck Sudo in News on Sep 3, 2013 7:40PM

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Ryback, shown in March 2013. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

While the Illinois Legislature drags its heels on legalizing same-sex marriage Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Ryback has a proposal for Chicago gay and lesbian couples looking to get hitched: come to his half of the Twin Cities.

Ryback is launching a campaign encouraging couples to take advantage of Minnesota’s marriage equality law, which passed in May and became law last month. Ryback made headlines Aug. 1 when he officiated 46 same-sex weddings on the first day the law took effect. Ryback spokesman John Stiles told NBC 5, "We're talking to same-sex couples in neighboring states where (marriage equality legislation) on the docket. Our message is that they should adopt it. Until then, we're here to steal your business."

The campaign will include print and digital ads in local publications later this week. Ryback will also make an appearance at The Center on Halsted Thursday to raise awareness about the campaign. A press release from his office describes Minneapolis as "welcoming city with hundreds of friendly vendors who are waiting to help gay and lesbian Chicagoans put together the wedding of their dreams."