The Duluth City Council became the first city to pass a resolution opposing a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would ban same-sex couples from marrying that will be on the ballot in 2012. The council passed the resolution on Monday by a vote of 6 to 2 with one abstention.

“We are thrilled to welcome Duluth as the newest member of our broad and growing coalition of Minnesotans opposed to this anti-family ballot question,” said Richard Carlbom, Minnesotans United for All Families Campaign Manager, in a statement. “The momentum behind this campaign continues to grow each day, and Duluth will be a wonderful partner in supporting all Minnesota families by voting no on this amendment in 2012.”

Jeff Anderson, the council’s only openly gay member, said, “Minnesotans will face a ballot question next year which will not protect a single family, create a single job, or welcome a single family to our state. It is crucial that Minnesotans vote no on this anti-family, anti-marriage amendment and I’m proud to represent the first city to formally endorse the campaign to defeat this amendment.”

Added Council President Gardner, “Duluth has a diverse population and is home to many Minnesotans who would be directly and negatively impacted by the passage of this divisive constitutional amendment. We proudly support and welcome all families who chose to make our city their home, and we’ll continue to support them by voting no next November.”