Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has signed into law a measure making his the 12th state to allow same-sex marriage. Dayton signed the bill in front of thousands of supporters outside the State Capitol in St. Paul.

Gov. Mark Dayton: “Our country’s most important progress has been to extend those equal rights and protections to everyone. That progress has often been difficult, controversial and initially divisive. However, it has always been the next step ahead to fulfilling this country’s promise to every American. So it is now my honor to sign into law this next step for the state of Minnesota to fulfill its promise to every Minnesotan.”

Minnesota’s same-sex marriage law will take effect in August.