ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) -
The parents of an openly-gay Minnesota soldier who was killed in Afghanistan last year said their son died to protect rights he didn't have himself.
Jeff and Lori Wilfahrt spoke at a Capitol news conference Tuesday morning with Minnesotans United for All Families – the group working to defeat the constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.
Andrew Wilfahrt of Rosemount, Minn. was killed in Afghanistan in 2011. Jeff and Lori say he enlisted prior to the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, knowing he'd have to hide his sexuality.
The Wilfahrts say Minnesota voters should follow the lead of the U.S. military in promoting tolerance.
U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, a National Guard veteran and supporter of marriage equality, also spoke against the amendment at Tuesday's Capitol event.
