No immediate ruling on Michigan 2004 gay marriage ban

Photo courtesy Fibonaci Blue @ Flickr (February 7, 2013)

ED WHITE, Associated Press AP

9:18 a.m. EST, March 7, 2013

DETROIT (AP) — A federal judge says he'll wait for important rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court before deciding the future of Michigan's ban on gay marriage.

Judge Bernard Friedman heard arguments Thursday. He says it's better to wait for the Supreme Court because any opinion from the nation's highest court in a California case could affect the Michigan case.

Two Detroit-area nurses are asking Friedman to strike down a 2004 constitutional amendment that says Michigan only allows marriage between a man and a woman.

Jayne Rowse and April DeBoer say the amendment and a Michigan law that bars them from jointly adopting children violate the U.S. Constitution's Equal Protection clause.

The judge says the Hazel Park couple presents a "compelling" case but the state also has strong arguments.

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spundae at 4:01 PM March 08, 2013

Your religious freedom is not being challenged or even questioned here! People make that statement to try and victimize themselves in an attempt to garner sympathy and use it as a distraction. This country was founded on FREEDOM, religious and otherwise! Our founding fathers came here to ESCAPE religious persecution! The first amendment to the constitution prohibits the establishment of religion. No one is attacking, belittling or degrading your religion. They simply want to be treated equally and unfortunately religion in this case is used as a basis for denying that equality! The stage was set and the theme was chosen, they are simply dancing to your music! Civil unions are not always recognized in terms of benefits and power of attorney only grants representation or action. Give same-sex couples equal treatment, exact in every way and this can all be over!

MCav1776 at 2:06 PM March 08, 2013

this is one of the smallest big issues in our society one that pits people against each other.

the question is how can we protect relgious freedom and also not cast hate tward a fellow person.

i believe in Jesus Christ. and we have to see threw the teachings I am not the judge god is and he sits at his right hand. so for me to judge a person on morale clauses is wrong.

and those out side the religion why must they full frontal assault on someones beliefs on witch this country was found on....why must they go after it with Marriage ....when civil unions power of attorney can please what they are after...

there are many ways to go about this but nothing will ever be solved because politician's use this as a sword to divide the people they know that if they push this button they create hatred and divide..

I dont know alot but i do know that i am not the judge.and all i can do in my life is teach my children tolerance and faith and let the world turn as it will

spundae at 8:53 AM March 08, 2013

Marriage is not a "religious right" it was simply adopted by religion! People came before religion! There were many religions prior the christian religion! Regressive refers to the inability of some to accept others without artificially creating criteria to make themselves seem superior, which is exactly what this does! Unfortunately "people of that persuasion" REQUIRE the "marriage" language because without it they are not treated equally as far as benefits go. The purpose behind the marriage license is documentation to prevent objection to the awarding of benefits, which also has precedent in our courts especially in the case of same-sex! The burden of proof has been met with the single statement of love, nothing else is required. Until you can demonstrate how by allowing to people of the same-sex infringes or harms your life you have no legitimate argument. The very first amendment to the constitution prevents laws being made that establish religion.

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No immediate ruling on Michigan 2004 gay marriage ban

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Comments (23)