Marriage equality continues to be the dominant topic in the states bordering Minnesota, including a new poll out of North Dakota.

North Dakota
*A poll by Forum Communications Co. released last week found that only 37 percent of residents support marriage equality with 50 percent opposing it. 9 percent were neutral on the issue.

The poll found that men and older North Dakotans were the most likely to oppose marriage equality:

Among those 30 and younger, sometimes generalized as part of the millennial generation, 53 percent support legalization, 31 percent oppose and 16 percent were neutral. Of course, they make up just 20 percent of likely voters.
Strong opposition begins in the next age group, 31 to 45, with 41 percent supporting, 57 percent opposing and 2 percent neutral.
Among the oldest group, those 66 and older, 16 percent support, 67 percent oppose and 15 percent were neutral.
A majority of women and men oppose same-sex marriage. But the margin for women is much closer with 40 percent supporting legalization, 42 percent opposing and 13 percent neutral. Among men, 33 percent support, 58 percent oppose and 5 percent were neutral.

Wisconsin
*The Wisconsin State Journal published an editorial about the problems with marriage pointing out that those problems have nothing to do with marriage equality: “Marriage in Wisconsin isn’t doing too bad if you look at the latest numbers from the state. But there’s still a big problem. And it has nothing to do with gay couples.”

*Wisconsin health insurance companies have opened a special enrollment period so that same-sex couples can sign up. The companies are working to capture those that are now eligible for health coverage under their spouses plans, but could not enroll until same-sex marriage became legal in the state on Oct. 6.

*Gov. Scott Walker, who is facing a close campaign for reelection, is trying to get the support of the state’s religious right. He wrote a letter to Wisconsin Family Action, a group that opposes right for LGBT people, asking the group to back his campaign for reelection, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:

“I would hope that my record and the stark contrast with my opponent’s positions would garner your support,” the governor implored, asserting his belief that marriage could only be defined as a union between a man and a woman.

Iowa
*Rep. Steve King, a Republican representing Western Iowa, has long been known for his anti-LGBT views but last week he went as far as to suggest that LGBT people will not go to heaven.

“I think that I’ll not comment on that part,” King told the Jefferson Herald. “I’ll just say that what was a sin 2,000 years ago is a sin today, and people that were condemned to hell 2,000 years ago, I don’t expect to meet them should I make it to heaven. So let’s stick with that principle.”

South Dakota
*The Rapid City Journal took a look at the marriage equality case pending in South Dakota, and how marriage equality across the border in Wyoming is playing in western part of the state.