Michigan's ban on same-sex marriage violates the U.S. Constitution and must be overturned, a federal judge ruled on Friday in the latest in a series of court decisions to allow gay couples to wed.
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said he was seeking an emergency stay and appeal of the ruling with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, which struck down a Michigan constitutional amendment adopted by voters in 2004.
The ban "does not advance any conceivable legitimate state interest" and discriminates against same-sex couples in violation of their right to equal protection, Judge Bernard Friedman found in a 31-page ruling.
Michigan's ban on same-sex marriage violates the U.S. Constitution and must be overturned, a federal judge ruled on Friday in the latest in a series of court decisions to allow gay couples to wed.
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said he was seeking an emergency stay and appeal of the ruling with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, which struck down a Michigan constitutional amendment adopted by voters in 2004.
The ban "does not advance any conceivable legitimate state interest" and discriminates against same-sex couples in violation of their right to equal protection, Judge Bernard Friedman found in a 31-page ruling.
With the exception of the deep southern states in the east, it is inevitable. There is no longer justification for banning same-sex marriage. Also, from a business standpoint, it will severely damage economics of state; for example, I am gay and I also have a highly technical job and most CEOs I know say that it is absurd and will drive away needed employees with certain education and skill sets to continue to operate in a state that bans same sex marriage. Also, must younger people consider this a non-issue.
With the exception of the deep southern states in the east, it is inevitable. There is no longer justification for banning same-sex marriage. Also, from a business standpoint, it will severely damage economics of state; for example, I am gay and I also have a highly technical job and most CEOs I know say that it is absurd and will drive away needed employees with certain education and skill sets to continue to operate in a state that bans same sex marriage. Also, must younger people consider this a non-issue.
Arizona's legislators who voted for the gay-discrimination bill changed their minds in a few days when Apple, American Airlines, the NFL and other business said they'd rethink their plans if Gov. Brewer did not veto the bill. Money talks. I'm glad to see our society progressing to the point where discriminating against gays is economical perilous.