Grand Rapids-Area Gay Couple, Married In New York, Sue Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS (AP) - Two men in the Grand Rapids area are suing to try to force Michigan to recognize their same-sex marriage performed in New York state.
Bruce Morgan and Brian Merucci were married in December. They were recently turned down by the Kent County clerk's office when they presented their New York certificate and applied to change the deed on their home.
They also want their marriage recognized so they can make medical decisions for each other. Morgan has brain cancer.
They filed a lawsuit Wednesday in Grand Rapids federal court. The Associated Press sent an email seeking state comment Thursday.
A Detroit federal judge threw out Michigan's ban on gay marriage in March, but the decision is being appealed. The state won't recognize more than 300 same-sex marriages performed in four counties while the appeal is being considered.
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