Steve Simon's Pro-Gay Speech Racks Up YouTube Views (VIDEO)

WATCH: Democrat's Pro-Gay Speech Racks Up YouTube Views

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- A Minnesota lawmaker's speech against banning gay marriage in the state's Constitution has become an online hit.

A video of Rep. Steve Simon's remarks had more than 175,000 views on YouTube early Thursday.

At a Capitol hearing on Monday, the Democrat asked, "How many more gay people does God have to create before we ask ourselves whether or not God actually wants them around?"

Simon says it was an off the cuff comment provoked by conversations with constituents, and that he wasn't angling for national publicity.

Legislative Republicans want Minnesotans to vote in 2012 to ban gay marriage.

Simon says he doubts the attention his speech is getting will keep the issue off the ballot but that he hopes it influences voters who are undecided.

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