FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

DULUTH - With the general election now behind them, Northlanders celebrated a watershed moment Wednesday for marriage equality."I just kind of stood in my room and shed a few tears, I was really happy," Queer and Allied Student Union Financial Coordinator Mayson Longley said.

More than 52 percent of Minnesotans made history by shooting down an amendment banning same-sex marriage.

"I voted no because it really shouldn't be government based," UMD student Abisola Ogunkanbi said.

"It's everyone's opinion but you can't judge people on like who they love," said UMD student Kelsey Sorenson.

Advocates say it's a victory because it sets an example for the nation.

"To say to the entire country that the personal beliefs of some should not be allowed to govern the lives of all," Minnesota Public Interest Research Group member Maxwell Helmberger said.

They say it moves the state into a more equal and safe place by keeping discrimination out of the constitution.

"Sends a very clear signal that Minnesota does not want gays and lesbians to be treated as second class citizens," said Helmberger.

The Minnesota Catholic Conference issued the following statement: “The Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC), the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Minnesota, is disappointed that Amendment 1 did not pass. "Despite this setback, our efforts to promote and defend the cornerstone social institution of marriage will continue....our position on the amendment was never “anti” anyone, but “for” marriage.”

Members of the LGBT, queer and allied community say while no rights have been gained, there is more hope that one day they will actually be able to get married.

"Now this really does open the door for more things to be done and hopefully can actual step forward," said Longley.

Even though the amendment was defeated, a future legislature could put it back on the ballot to be voted on again.

Gov. Mark Dayton has not promised to sign a bill legalizing marriage equality, but he says he supports it.