Michigan Legislators Urge Supreme Court to Revisit Same-Sex Marriage Ruling
In a move that has stirred considerable public interest, seven GOP lawmakers have proposed a non-binding resolution requesting the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its pivotal decision on same-sex marriage bans. This includes Michigan’s own dormant amendment, which could be reinstated if the court reconsiders the Obergefell v. Hodges case.
The 2004 amendment, initially approved by Michigan voters, remains part of the state Constitution. Its revival hinges on the Supreme Court’s stance on the case originally filed by April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse, two nurses who sought the right to jointly adopt special needs children. The potential reversal has prompted public demonstrations, with protesters gathering at the Capitol and the Anderson House Office Building.
Representative Josh Schriver (R-Oxford) addressed the crowd, becoming the sole speaker after other lawmakers opted out. Schriver criticized the Supreme Court’s decision, stating, “Ten years ago, the United States Supreme Court redefined the sacred institution of marriage. This blunder compromised the mother-father-child family unit.”
The discussion echoes the Supreme Court’s reconsideration of the Roe v. Wade ruling, as some conservative justices express interest in revisiting same-sex marriage laws. Justice Samuel Alito, along with Justices John Roberts and Clarence Thomas, previously dissented in the decision to legalize same-sex marriage and has reiterated his criticism.
Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), known for his advocacy in expanding LGBTQ rights in Michigan, countered Schriver’s remarks during the press event. He commented, “This was just as buffoonish as I expected it to be. I think that this has fallen flat with people in the State of Michigan. I think that people respect their LGBTQ neighbors, their LGBTQ family members. These marriages have been the law of the land for 10 years. They contribute to family security. They contribute to economic security.”
The resolution received limited backing, as indicated by the withdrawal of co-sponsors and House Speaker Matt Hall’s (R-Richland Township) decision to hold a competing news conference. Hall has assigned the resolution to the House Government Operations Committee, suggesting its uncertain future.
Looking ahead, Representative Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor) expressed interest in formally addressing the dormant amendment by potentially repealing it through voter approval. He stated to Michigan Public Radio, “I’m not sure if the moment’s here yet or not, but I think we’re getting to that moment where we’re ready, where we have to, as we inch closer and closer to the potential of the Supreme Court rolling back our right to marriage equality.”
—
Read More Michigan News
