Gay marriage in Minnesota passed a critical test Thursday, May 9, with the House passing legislation on a 75-59 vote.

The vote sends the debate to the Minnesota Senate, which is expected to vote on same-sex marriage on Monday. Gov. Mark Dayton has said he will the bill should it reach his desk.

The House had been seen as the bill's toughest challenge, with Senate leaders declaring they have the support to pass the bill weeks ago.

Supporters and opponents of the bill to legalize gay marriage started gathering at the Minnesota Capitol hours before the House took up the bill at noon. Some of the House DFLers -- who have the controlling majority -- stopped to give hugs and high-fives as they walked into the chamber along a hallway lined with supporters and opponents chanting and raising signs.