LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Seven Michigan lawmakers are taking part in a resolution asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the decision that protects marriage equality. The House Resolution was announced by Representative Josh Schriver (R-Oxford) on Monday and introduced Tuesday afternoon. 12 Co-signers were originally included, but the official resolution only lists Representatives Matt Maddock, Joseph Fox, Gregory Alexander, Jason Woolford, James DeSana, and Steve Carra.
“This decision has defaced the definition of marriage, undermined our God-given rights, increased persecution of Christians, and confused the American family structure. Michigan Christians follow Christ’s definition of marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman, an institution established to glorify God and produce children.” Schriver said. “Ten years ago, the United States Supreme Court redefined the sacred Institution of marriage. This blunder compromised the mother, father, Child, and Family unit. Has Obergefell V Hodges not widened a portal where gays, queers, transsexuals, polygamists, minor-attracted persons, and other perverts advance attacks on our children?”
The introduction makes Michigan the 6th state to introduce similar resolutions looking to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges. The actions have no legal ground to call the case back to the Supreme Court, but Schiver said it’s about taking a stance for what he believes is the right thing to do.
State Democrats quickly spoke up about the action. Attorney General Dana Nessel took it to Instagram, posting Schriver’s release with the caption ‘Come and get it.’ Governor Gretchen Whitmer also posted a video on her social media condemning the resolution. A few dozen protesters even showed up to make their voices heard.
At a conference held by House Democrats, Representative Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor) said love is not partisan, commitment is not partisan, and marriage equality should not be partisan.
“This is about real people, real families, and real lives. This is not some abstract political debate. This is about love, dignity, and the freedom to marry the person that you choose.” Morgan said. “This may be a resolution today, but it’s a long-term effort to try and overturn our rights. So whether those rights are overturned today or tomorrow, we are not going to stop fighting to protect these rights and to protect the people behind them.”
Michigan doesn’t currently have constitutional protections for same-sex marriage. House and Senate Democrats said they’d support any efforts to add protections, but any changes to the state’s constitution must be introduced through a citizen-led ballot initiative.
Speaker of the House Matt Hall (R- Richland Township) commented this afternoon. He said he’s looking to address issues that bring the House together, and Schriver’s resolution is not one of them.
“People know Rep. Schriver… Rep. Schriver is very authentic about who he is. He went through reelection and the people reelected him overwhelmingly in his district. People know what to expect from Schriver.” Hall said. “He put this resolution forward. It’s not a consensus position in our caucus. It’s a position where I would say a lot of Republicans disagree with Schriver. What we’re trying to do is focus on issues that unify our caucus and bring people together and those are the issues that we’re moving forward and putting on our agenda.”
The resolution has been referred to the House Committee on Government Operations. Even if the resolution does pass on the House floor, an actual court case would have to make it to the Supreme Court for the Obergefell v. Hodges decision to see any further consideration.
