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Michigan Democrats are working to protect same-sex marriage just before Donald Trump takes office
Michigan Democrats are trying to push through a bill that would enshrine same-sex marriage in the states constitution. The move comes amid fears that the Supreme Court could overturn its 2015 decision legalizing marriage equality in all 50 states and calls from at least one state Republican congressman to make gay marriage illegal again.While the Supreme Courts decision in Obergefell v. Hodges declared state laws banning same-sex marriage unconstitutional, Michigan is one of several states where vestigial laws or constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage remain on the books. As Fox 2 Detroit notes, voters in the state approved a constitutional amendment stating that the union of one man and one woman in marriage shall be the only agreement recognized as a marriage or similar union for any purpose in 2004. Related Marriage skyrockets in NYC as couples rush to tie the knot before Donald Trump takes office Marriages in November were up 33% over the previous year. Should the Supreme Court overturn Obergefell, as Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito have signaled they are eager to, Michigans marriage equality ban would go back into effect. Stay connected to your community Connect with the issues and events that impact your community at home and beyond by subscribing to our newsletter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Last year, out Michigan state Rep. Jason Morgan (D) introduced a House Joint Resolution F, which if approved would strike the 2004 language from the states constitution. Before going to Michigan voters, however, the resolution needs support from at least two-thirds of the state Legislature, which Morgan says will be an uphill battle.I believe the people will vote to support families, Morgan told Fox 2. The support just isnt there for two-thirds majority [in the Legislature].Republican state Rep. Josh Schriver, meanwhile, is actively calling for marriage equality to be overturned. Earlier this month, Schriver claimed in an X post that America only accepted gay marriage after it was thrusted into her by a perverted Supreme Court ruling.Make gay marriage illegal again, the post continued. This is not remotely controversial or extreme.At the time, Schriver told Fox 2 that his post was meant to urge the Supreme Court to reverse the decision that has falsely equated traditional marriage with gay marriage. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) responded in a statement, saying, Any attempt to strip away gay marriage is wrong. Here in Michigan, we protected fundamental rights because no one should be fired from a job, evicted from their home, or unable to marry because of who they love. Michigan is a place for all to live and work with dignity, and Im going to fight like hell to keep it that way.But with a 63 conservative majority on the Supreme Court that seems willing to overturn longstanding precedent as it did when it overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 and an incoming second Trump administration, many same-sex couples are rushing to the altar to ensure that they are legally married in states where those unions are protected before Inauguration Day.Trump spokesperson and incoming press secretary Karoline Leavitt recently told NBC News that overturning marriage equality was never a campaign promise the president-elect made.But Morgan said that he believes legal same-sex marriage is at risk under the incoming administration. I do believe that marriage equality is at risk under the Trump administration, Morgan said.Even if the Michigan legislature doesnt approve his resolution, Morgan told Fox 2 he would continue to fight to protect marriage equality in the state. As the outlet notes, the amendment could also make it to the ballot via a citizen-driven petition.Its just so important, Morgan said. This is something Im very passionate about.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.
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