Advertisement

What You Need to Know About the 2024 Michigan Supreme Court Race

Marketplace Story

This November, Michigan voters face a pivotal decision in the upcoming state Supreme Court race. While judicial races often receive less attention than other elections, the significance of this race cannot be overstated, especially for the state’s LGBTQ+ community. The decisions made by the Michigan Supreme Court have wide-reaching implications, shaping the legal landscape of the state and influencing policies that impact civil rights, family recognition and equal access to justice.

A History of Progress for LGBTQ+ Rights

In recent years, the Michigan Supreme Court has delivered rulings that expanded and safeguarded the rights of LGBTQ+ residents. One of the most notable cases, Rouch World v. Michigan Department of Civil Rights (2022), established that LGBTQ+ individuals are protected under Michigan’s civil rights laws, which prohibit discrimination based on sex. This landmark decision extended protections in employment, housing, education and public accommodations to LGBTQ+ people, ensuring that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is unlawful. It also propelled the Michigan legislature to codify these protections, making Michigan the 22nd state to explicitly include sexual orientation and gender identity in its civil rights statutes.



Another important ruling came in Pueblo v. Haas, where the Court recognized the rights of non-biological, same-sex parents. Before marriage equality became the law of the land, many same-sex couples were unable to marry and thus, their parental rights were often in legal limbo. The Court's decision allowed non-biological parents to be recognized legally, giving their children the same protections that children in heterosexual families have. This ruling prompted the state legislature to pass laws ensuring equal parental rights for both LGBTQ+ married and unmarried couples.

In addition to these case rulings, the Michigan Supreme Court implemented a new court rule mandating that judges and court staff address transgender and non-binary individuals by their chosen names and pronouns. Michigan is currently the only state with such a rule, a significant step toward ensuring dignity and respect for all people within the judicial system.

A Look at the Past: When Rights Were Denied

The recent progress for LGBTQ+ rights in Michigan contrasts sharply with the past. At the start of the 21st century, the Michigan Supreme Court was far less supportive of LGBTQ+ rights. In 2001, the Court allowed local governments to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people in employment. Later, it interpreted Michigan's constitutional marriage amendment to deny same-sex couples not only the right to marry but also the right to enter into civil unions or domestic partnerships. Furthermore, non-biological parents in same-sex relationships were denied parental recognition and same-sex couples were prevented from jointly adopting their children through second-parent adoption.

This history underscores the importance of vigilance in the upcoming election. The Court has evolved over time, but the outcome of the November race will determine whether it continues on this progressive path or reverts to a more restrictive stance on civil rights.

Why This Election Matters More Than Ever

With two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court up for grabs, voters will shape the future of the state's highest legal authority. This Court holds the power to interpret Michigan's laws and the state Constitution, affecting every resident's rights and daily life. It decides whether laws are constitutional, whether voter ballot initiatives can proceed, and makes judgments on a wide array of issues, from civil rights to reproductive freedom to gun safety.

Currently, the Court has a majority that rules in favor of LGBTQ+ rights, with four elected justices nominated by the Democratic Party and three by the Republican Party. However, this balance could shift depending on the outcome of this year’s election. Democratic nominee Justice Kyra Harris Bolden, appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, is running against Republican-nominated Patrick William O’Grady to complete the term of former Chief Justice Bridget McCormack. Another seat will open as Justice David Viviano steps down. Democrats nominated Kimberly Ann Thomas and Republicans nominated Andrew Fink to appear on your ballot for a full eight-year term. All four candidates will appear on your ballot and you’re able to vote for one in each contest. 

The role of state Supreme Courts has become increasingly important in recent years, particularly as the federal judiciary, including the U.S. Supreme Court, has taken a more reactionary turn. State courts are now seen as crucial battlegrounds for civil rights, reproductive rights and voting rights. The Michigan Supreme Court has already played a key role in protecting these rights. In 2022, for example, the Court allowed a ballot initiative to proceed that let Michiganders vote on enshrining reproductive rights into the state Constitution, a significant move in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Similarly, state courts have become a line of defense for voting rights and upholding our shared democratic values. In 2020, Michigan’s Supreme Court, after reviewing substantial evidence, upheld the results of the presidential election, confirming that President Joe Biden had won the state. This decision was a crucial counterweight to bad actors’ efforts to undermine Michigan's election systems. In future elections, the Court may once again be called upon to protect our votes and ensure every vote is counted.

Looking Ahead: What’s at Stake

The Michigan Supreme Court’s upcoming docket includes wide-ranging issues that will significantly impact the lives of residents across the state. Lawsuits involving abortion restrictions, minimum wage increases and election laws are expected to reach the Court in the near future. Decisions on these matters will shape the state’s legal framework for years to come, affecting not only the LGBTQ+ community but also workers, voters and individuals seeking reproductive healthcare.

The stakes of this election are high, and it's vital that LGBTQ+ Michiganders take the time to learn about the candidates and their positions. Citizens can help ensure that Michigan remains a place where everyone’s rights are protected.

In a time when many are looking to state courts to defend against discrimination and safeguard civil liberties, Michigan voters have the power to shape the future of their state — and the lives of their fellow residents — at the ballot box.

To learn more about the significance of the Michigan Supreme Court and how its decisions affect your daily life, visit MISupremeCourtRocks.com, a resource provided by Engage Michigan..

This content is made possible through our partnership with Engage Michigan. Learn more at engagemichigan.org.



Advertisement
Advertisement

From the Pride Source Marketplace

Go to the Marketplace
Directory default
Friendly, professional eye care services since 1949. Thorough vision and health evaluations. …
Learn More
Directory default
DJ, Photography, Videography, Photobooth. We do it all!
Learn More
Advertisement