Steve Simon, Minnesota Lawmaker, Fights Back Tears During Gay Marriage Speech (VIDEO)

Minnesota State Rep. Steven Simon (DFL) fought back tears while giving a pro-gay marriage speech on the state House floor Thursday, Patch reports.

Simon got emotional while telling a story on a rabbi's lesson to young students about "a new day."

Patch reports:

Simon described a rabbi asking his students what is the precise moment when night ends and a new day begins.

“The moment when night ends and a new day begins is the moment when you look into the face of a stranger and see the face of your brother,” Simon said in between long pauses. “Until that moment, no matter what time it is, it’s still night. But at that moment, that’s when the new day begins. I like the sound of that—a new day—and I hope we can all go there together.”

The Minnesota House passed gay marriage with a vote of 75-59 on Thursday. According to the AP, the state Senate plans to consider the bill Monday, where it is expected to pass. Gov. Mark Dayton has pledged to sign it into law.

This isn't the first time Simon has spoken on gay marriage. In an earlier speech, Simon argued sexual orientation is a "gift from God" and not a choice.

"How many more gay people does God have to create before we ask ourselves whether or not God actually wants them around?" Simon said.

Watch a video of Simon's speech above, and click here for more from Patch.