The Knights of Columbus are actively contributing to the fight to protect marriage in the four states voting on marriage this November, including Minnesota:

"...the group is trying to make its mark in Minnesota, and has directly given more than $130,000 to the fight.

The Minnesota chapters so far have given at least $31,000 to pro-amendment groups. The national headquarters has given another $100,000. But the group's 43,500 Minnesota members could prove far more valuable. In a race shaping up to be decided by a razor-thin margin, a committed bloc of thousands of energized, like-minded voters could make all the difference.

Craig Larson, state deputy of the Minnesota Knights of Columbus, said local Catholic leaders specifically asked the Knights to take a front-and-center role in the amendment fight.

"They are part of the grass-roots team, there's no doubt about that," said Jason Adkins, executive director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference, which is working to pass the measure. "We are grateful for the support of the Knights of Columbus." -- Star Tribune