(MPRN-Lansing) At the state Capitol, Democrats have called for a new statewide vote on Michigan’s ban on same-sex marriage. It was approved by voters in 2004.
Democrats rolled out a package of legislation that would also repeal state laws that discriminate against same-sex couples. One would recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. Another would specifically allow gay and lesbian couples to jointly file state tax returns.
The one-year anniversary of the initial court decision to strike down Michigan’s same-sex marriage ban is this weekend. That case is now before the US Supreme Court.
But no matter how the court rules, says state Representative Jeremy Moss, the question should to go back on the ballot to give voters the chance to strike it from the state constitution.
“I think Michigan deserves to be on the right side of history,” said Moss (D-Southfield). “We’re kind of on the eve of a Supreme Court decision that is very likely to strike down bans on same-sex marriage, and I think Michigan residents have had a change of heart over the last 10 years.”
The US Supreme Court hears arguments next month in the challenge to Michigan’s same-sex marriage ban. A decision is expected sometime in June.
