Social Issues

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Thousands filled the Minnesota State Capitol as they waited for word that the Senate had passed the gay marriage bill Monday, May 13, 2013, in St. Paul, Minn. The governor has now signed the bill into law. (AP Photo/Jim Mone) **FILE**

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A gay-marriage proponent waves the U.S. flag and a rainbow flag Monday as supporters and opponents of Minnesota's gay-marriage bill gather in the State Capitol rotunda in St. Paul. The Legislature became the 12th to pass gay marriage, making the institution a sex-neutral union of two people. (Associated Press)

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State Sen. D. Scott Dibble (left), sponsor of the gay marriage bill in the Minnesota Senate, and his partner Richard Leyva greet a crowd at the State Capitol. Gov. Mark Dayton said he will sign the bill as early as Tuesday. (Associated Press)

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Chinese authorities are believed to be inflicting "harassment and abuse" on family members to Chen Guangcheng, a blind Chinese activist living in the United States. (Associated Press)

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Supporters and opponents of Minnesota's gay marriage bill gather in the State Capitol Rotunda in St. Paul as the Senate prepared to take up the issue, Monday, May 13, 2013 in St. Paul, Minn. The bill passed the Minnesota House last week. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

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"The corruption of the consultant culture dishonors America's values by honoring greed over philosophy. It cheapens the sacrifice made by good men and women who serve in public office to protect the culture of our nation."

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Gov. Steve Beshear speaks during a press conference in Frankfort, Ky., on May 9, 2013. Beshear announced that he had decided to expand Medicaid, the government health care program, to an additional 300,000 Kentucky residents. (Associated Press)