DFL leaders came out strongly against a proposed anti-gay marriage amendment on Tuesday following its introduction by Senate Republicans.

Here’s a statement by Sen. Scott Dibble, DFL-Minneapolis, one of only two LGBT members of the Minnesota Legislature:

State Senator Scott Dibble, DFL-Minneapolis, said today’s announcement that Republican lawmakers plan to introduce a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage is an ill-timed distraction that does nothing to address the top three priorities of this year’s legislative session: Solving the $5 billion budget deficit, creating jobs and spurring the state’s economy.

“It’s disturbing that Republicans want to use one of the last weeks of the legislative session to marginalize one group of people and divide our state,” Sen. Dibble said. “We are facing a $5 billion budget shortfall, yet Republicans believe the biggest threat to our state’s welfare is who is allowed to be married.”

“For same-sex couples, marriage is about economics; it’s about allowing families to take responsibility for each other and support their loved ones, creating strong households throughout our state. For this reason, there is significant evidence that the states that do the best economically are the ones that embrace diversity, not shut it out. With this amendment, we are taking Minnesota in exactly the opposite direction of where we should be headed – toward a stronger economy that welcomes the contributions of all people.”

“Minnesotans who are married legally have access to at least 515 laws that provide security, legal protections, and basic rights such as the ability to care for each other. As lawmakers, we should be focused on breaking these barriers that still exist for thousands of Minnesotans barriers, rather than further isolating one group of people and wasting taxpayers’ time with unfounded fears.”

“This issue doesn’t help a single family in Minnesota, it doesn’t create a single job, and it actually harms our state’s economy. It is very troubling that we’re being asked to spend the final days of the legislative session focused on such a divisive issue.”

A link to reports on economic impacts and Minnesota laws unavailable to same-sex couples may be found at http://tinyurl.com/5vbkatx.

Senate DFL Caucus Leader Tom Bakk released this statement:

“With just a few short weeks left before the budget deadline, Republican leaders are spending their time pushing their divisive social agenda rather than doing the hard work of passing a balanced budget plan.

Today’s announcement is simply another distraction from the real challenges facing our state. Right now, House and Senate Republicans have two competing budget plans with only one thing in common: neither actually balances. We have pleaded with Republican lawmakers to get serious, fix the billion-dollar holes in their two budget plans, and spend every moment we have at the Capitol between now and May 23rd working towards a budget compromise with the Governor.

Instead, they’re spending their time pushing legislation that wouldn’t even be implemented until November of 2012.

Minnesotans expect us to complete our work on time and reach a fair compromise with the Governor. This simply won’t be possible unless Republican leaders set aside their social agenda and put 100% of their time and effort in to fixing the hole in their budget and negotiating with Gov. Dayton.”

House Minority Leader Paul Thissen said, “With only four weeks to go to balance the budget, this is not the time to launch an effort to amend the state constitution to further divide Minnesotans from one another,” he said. “Instead of focusing on gay marriage, Senator [Warren] Limmer should get to work on the Public Safety budget that he’s responsible for. Engaging in delays and distractions is unacceptable.”

“The clock is ticking,” he added. “Minnesotans are waiting for an honest, responsible GOP budget.”