Bills Would Repeal Michigan's Ban On Gay Marriage
LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Minority Democrats in the Michigan Senate are attempting to repeal the state's ban against gay marriage.
A measure introduced Wednesday would amend the Michigan Constitution to remove a 2004 prohibition on same-sex marriage. The measure needs two-thirds support in the Republican-led House and Senate to make the statewide ballot.
Another bill would recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages in Michigan.
Democratic Sen. Rebekah Warren of Ann Arbor says polling shows more Michiganians support gay marriage than just a year ago. She says married couples enjoy a host of legal protections, and removing Michigan's ban would ensure gay couples can be legal parents to their adoptive children.
Senators sponsoring the legislation are Warren, Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer of East Lansing, Bert Johnson of Highland Park and Virgil Smith of Detroit.
A Michigan State University poll taken last year found an increase in support for gay marriage in the state, with 56 percent of adults questioned saying they support the same-sex unions. Thirty-nine percent said they were opposed. Three years ago, those numbers were much closer, with 48 percent saying they supported gay marriage and 51 percent opposed.
(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
