DETROIT, MI (MPRN)-- Seven same-sex couples married in Michigan last month hope to force the state to recognize their marriages. The ACLU of Michigan plans to file a lawsuit on their behalf Monday
afternoon.
A federal judge struck down Michigan’s gay marriage ban as unconstitutional last month. The next day four county clerks opened their doors on a Saturday for same-sex couples to wed. The next day, a federal appeals court put the lower court’s decision on hold.
Governor Rick Snyder says the marriages were performed legally. But he says the state cannot recognize them while the case is being appealed.
ACLU Attorney Jay Kaplan says that doesn’t make sense.
“This idea to say, ‘OK, your marriages are legal, but you can’t be afforded anything that’s associated with the legal status,’ it really is talking out of both sides of your mouth,” said Kaplan.
“(The governor) did have a choice,” he said. “He had a choice whether to defend Michigan’s marriage amendment. You know, there have been other governors – in California, Oregon, Nevada, Virginia – who have chosen not to defend that. He had a choice whether or not to go along with an appeal.”
Although the lawsuit will be filed on behalf of seven same-sex couples, Kaplan says it would force the state to recognize the marriages of some
300 gay and lesbian couples who also wed last month.
US Attorney General Eric Holder has said the federal government will recognize those marriages.