Minnesota Gay Marriage Ban Trails in Early Returns

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage in Minnesota is trailing in early returns.

The amendment would prohibit gay marriage in the state constitution. Votes against it were leading votes in favor Tuesday night.

Many early returns were from Hennepin and Ramsey counties, where opposition to the ban was expected to be higher. The vote was closer in returns from greater Minnesota counties.

Exit polls show that a strong majority of voters under 30 voted against the marriage ban, while other age groups were more closely divided. A majority of women were against the ban while a majority of men supported it.

(Copyright 2012, The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)