ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesotans who support same-sex marriage have rallied at the state Capitol as part of national Freedom to Marry Week.

Under a black and white banner that read "Legalize Love," several legislators said Thursday they would push a bill allowing gay couples to marry. The bill has already been introduced in the Senate, and House members say they have 24 co-authors and plan to introduce the measure in their chamber soon.

One of the legislators who spoke was state Sen. Scott Dibble, a Minneapolis Democrat who is one of the few openly gay members of the Legislature. He says the country's economic woes show the need for couples to support each other. But he says gay couples can't get many of the benefits that might make things easier.

Dozens of people holding signs and banners attended the event, including a few that held signs saying marriage should be between only a man and a woman.

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