Michigan Politicians Quick To Respond To Supreme Court Marriage Ruling

LANSING – Within hours of the release of a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court legalizing same-sex marriages across the country, Michigan politicians on both sides of the issue were commenting on it.
"Same-sex marriage has been a divisive issue in Michigan and across our country. Recognizing that there are strong feelings on both sides, it is important for everyone to respect the judicial process and the decision today from the U.S. Supreme Court," Republican Gov. Rick Snyder said in a press statement released less than 30 minutes after the decision was announced. "Our state government will follow the law and our state agencies will make the necessary changes to ensure that we will fully comply."
By 10:30 a.m., the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services – which oversees marriage licensing – had issued new, gender neutral marriage forms as well as guidance to all county clerks in Michigan, said Jennifer Smith, a spokesperson for the department.
"By way of this notification, please be advised that, in accordance with MCL 333.2815(2)(b), the state registrar hereby approves the use of the revised marriage forms attached to this message, approves the use of computer generated forms that conform to the attached documents in form and content and also approves hand modifications to the current marriage forms to appropriately record the sexes of the couple," wrote Glenn Copeland, the state registrar, in an email to all county clerks. "This approval will extend through this transition period and until necessary forms supplies and computer systems changes are in place. The state vital records office will make every effort to assist county and city clerks during this period of transition. A small supply of these revised marriage license and affidavit for license to marry forms is being sent by overnight mail to your office."
Less than hour after the ruling was released, Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum was already performing marriages for same-sex couples.
"Today's U.S. Supreme Court ruling is a tremendous victory for all of the same-sex couples who have been waiting for the chance to be legally wed in Michigan, as well as for their friends, family and all who support equal rights," said Rep. Tim Greimel, D-Auburn Hills, Democratic leader in the state House. "With this historic decision, the Supreme Court has established that the joys, responsibilities and rights of marriage are open to everyone. I celebrate this decision along with all who worked so hard for so many years to make marriage equality a reality."
Openly gay State Rep. Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield, also hailed the decision, although he called on his colleagues to fix Michigan's civil rights act to protect the LGBT community.
"I'm so proud that Michiganders April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse played a historic role in today's U.S. Supreme Court ruling that recognizes marriage equality across this country," Moss said. "I'm glad this issue reached its ultimate conclusion through our judicial system because minority communities shouldn't be forced to wage campaigns and depend upon a public vote to earn equal protection under the law. Civil rights should be self-evident and unalienable, not dictated by popular opinion on a given Election Day. Even though the Supreme Court, at long last, has declared that the 2004 vote to ban same-sex marriage in Michigan is unconstitutional, the struggle for full equality for LGBT Michiganders is sadly far from over. A gay Michigan couple could get married this weekend and be fired next week because of it. It is time that the State Legislature expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include legal protections for those facing discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. I call on my colleagues to join me and demand swift action on House Bill 4538."
"I neither agree or disagree with the ruling," said Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, chair of the State Senate Judiciary Committee. "I accept that it is now the law of the land."
"Today is a monumental day in our history!" exclaimed Sen. Curtis Hertel, Jr., D-East Lansing. "The heroes of this movement are not the politicians, rather they are the everyday people who just wanted to live their lives with the freedoms that so many of us take for granted. It is those that live their lives out loud that changed the hearts and minds of the American people and effectively changed the world we live in. Those are the people we celebrate today. It's time for Michigan's elected officials to follow suit and start passing sensible and inclusive legislation that welcomes people to our state instead of pushing them away."
Not all of the state's political leaders are happy with the decision. Former State Rep. and current GOP National Committeeman, Dave Agema, slammed the ruling on Facebook.
"Traditional marriage is a key pillar of the Republican Party platform and we stand behind keeping it that way as opposed to the Democrat party," Agema wrote. "As early as 2013 the RNC confirmed the 5 Core Principles of the party as a resolution and part of that resolution was traditional marriage. It is truly sad that 5 men and women in black robes can destroy what our nation has understood since it was founded. Now the destruction of the family begins. No nation can long survive when it loses its moral compass."
For his part, Snyder did not mince words for those like Agema.
"Let's also recognize while this issue has stirred passionate debate, we now should focus on the values we share," he said in a press statement. "With this matter now settled, as Michiganders we should move forward positively, embracing our state's diversity and striving to treat everyone with the respect and dignity they deserve."