Minnesota for Marriage, the lead group supporting the marriage amendment, launched its first TV ads this week, according to a press release.

The two ads, "Threat to Marriage" and "Good of Marriage," encourage Minnesotans to "vote yes" on the "marriage protection amendment" that would constitutionally define marriage as between one man and one woman. They focus on the power of voters to determine the role of marriage instead of courts or legislators.

The ads are the first in a series that will push up until Nov. 6 when voters will decide whether to amend the constitution to reflect current state law banning same-sex marriage.

In a statement from Minnesota for Marriage, Chairman John Helmberger said: “Our ads remind Minnesotans that marriage is the building block of society. It stands to reason, then, that all Minnesotans should have their say in what marriage should continue to be. Voting YES keeps voters involved in the conversation about marriage so that judges and politicians don’t make that decision for us—without our permission.”

Minnesotans United for All Families, the lead group opposing the amendment, started airing TV ads two weeks ago.

In a statement regarding the Minnesota for Marriage ads, Campaign Manager Richard Carlbom said: “We all agree that marriage is important, which is why we wouldn’t want to deny this basic freedom to any loving, committed couple. There are churches on all sides of this debate. This amendment mixes religion and politics in our constitution. The best thing to do is to take government out of this debate. In fact, passing this amendment would permanently end the conversation for the next generation of Minnesotans.