In a move that would have lasting implications across the nation, a federal judge in Detroit made a groundbreaking decision in 2014 that paved the way for same-sex marriages in Michigan. This decision on March 20, 2014, ruled that Michigan’s ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional, leading to a whirlwind of weddings as over 300 couples tied the knot the very next day. This landmark ruling was a pivotal step toward the eventual nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage.
The case originated as a challenge to Michigan’s adoption laws, initially brought forth by a gay couple seeking to jointly adopt their special-needs children. At the time, state law only permitted one unmarried individual to adopt. U.S. District Court Judge Bernard Friedman, appointed by President Ronald Reagan, identified the core issue as the state’s same-sex marriage ban. Encouraging April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse to broaden their case, they were represented by a legal team that included future Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The primary opposition came from then-Attorney General Bill Schuette, a staunch defender of traditional marriage.
Despite the political landscape that had seen measures like “don’t-ask-don’t-tell” and a statutory ban on same-sex marriage enacted in the 1990s, Judge Friedman’s ruling allowed marriages to proceed without delay. Clerks in several counties, including Ingham and Oakland, opened their offices to issue marriage licenses on a Saturday morning. The first ceremony took place at the Ingham County Courthouse at 8:05 a.m.
However, the status of these marriages was soon called into question. Although U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder confirmed federal recognition of these marriages, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder stated that while legal, the marriages were not recognized by the state. This discrepancy led to further legal challenges for state recognition.
In the summer of 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court resolved the debate by declaring same-sex marriage legal nationwide in Obergefell v. Hodges. Despite this, Michigan’s constitutional ban remains unaltered, raising concerns among LGBTQ rights groups. Recent efforts by Republican state lawmakers, including Representative Josh Schriver, have called on the Supreme Court to revisit the decision, arguing it undermines traditional marriage. In contrast, Democratic lawmakers have proposed repealing the dormant ban through a constitutional amendment.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, reflecting on the ongoing legislative moves against same-sex marriage, expressed the need for vigilance. She warned that despite the improbability of a resolution overturning a Supreme Court ruling, new legal challenges could potentially lead to a reversal. Nessel cited the Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn established abortion rights as an example of its willingness to revisit settled law.
With a potential ballot initiative in 2026, Michigan faces a significant decision on whether to formally repeal its same-sex marriage ban. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the future of marriage equality remains a critical issue at the forefront of Michigan’s legislative agenda.
—
Read More Michigan News
