Absorbing the incredible marriage equality momentum of 2013, Ohio Democrats have kicked up speed on an effort to bring marriage equality to their state. It starts with a fundraising effort that aims to dismantle the state's ban on same-sex marriage.

After a lengthy and typically-contentious debate, Minnesota's House has approved marriage equality legislation. The measure now heads to the state Senate, where it is likely to be taken up over the weekend. 

Minnesota could be state #12 by the end of the weekend, y'all, and the first state in the Midwest to pass marriage equality by legislature.

Congrats, Minnesota LGBT on this pivotal step!

Former Florida Governor Charlie Crist may have been so against marriage equality at one point in his career that he supported an amendment to Florida's constitution banning the civil right, but that's all in the past now, he says. 

What else does Charlie C have to say about his dramatic evolution toward the right side of history?

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady made news earlier this year for coming out in support of marriage equality, then again on Tuesday when he abruptly resigned from his post. Though he said his resignation was definitely not due to minor backlash from the GOP over same-sex marriage, today NOM's head homophobe Brian Brown is carving a lonely notch in his bedpost, whether or not its deserved.

With the momentum of several states behind them, a coalition of 94 faith leaders have announced their support for marriage equality in New Mexico. 

Details follow. 

What a year 2013 has already been for state-level marriage equality! It's only going to get better, however, as Minnesota's fast-tracking of same-sex marriage is likely to bring equality to the state by Sunday. 

Delaware Governor Jack Markell has officially signed marriage equality into law!

More after the jump.

Well it was fun while it lasted (but probably not so fun for him). Embattled Illinois Republican Party Chairman Paty Brady, who famously came out in support of marriage equality, has resigned. 

Since announcing his personal support of same-sex marriage, Brady has been under constant seige from his fellow party members seeking his removal or resignation.

Still, Brady maintains that's not why he's leaving his post.

Details after the jump. 

Right on the heels of Rhode Island, sources (including The Associated Press) are reporting that the Delaware state Senate just voted to become the 11th state to allow same-sex marriage!

More after the jump.

We need all the votes we can get in the Illinois House right now to keep the marriage equality momentum moving along to a vote before May 30. We got just the spark we needed over the weekend when GOP Rep. Mark Sandack bravely appeared outside his office to announce that he'd be voting in favor of marriage equality. There, a crowd of anti-gay activists made their discontent with Sandack's announcement known, yet he persisted. 

The applause-worthy video after the break.

And the momentum continues! The Associated Press is reporting that marriage equality legislation could be up for a vote within the Minnesota House or Senate as soon as next week.

More after the jump!

It's not the kind of wedding gift anyone would want to open, but Thierry Spietel, mayor of Sigolsheim, France, did just that when he received bullets in the mail after announcing his impending marriage to his partner.