Panel Looks at Michigan’s Marriage Law

All eyes will be on the U. S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals for a ruling involving 6 cases in four states affecting the issue of gay marriage.

Michigan is among the states.

MLive.com is reporting today that the Court will hear arguments from both sides of the issue.  Those for and against will have 30 minutes to make their point.

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette is presenting the case.  He says he is simply acting to preserve the will of the people.  Voters went to the polls in 2004 to declare marriage as between one man and one woman. He says until that changes, he will continue to defend that vote.

Others have asked him to give up the fight.

The case was raised by April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse, a lesbian couple from Hazel Park, who wanted to be able to adopt each other's children.  The argued the ban on same-sex marriage in Michigan was unconstitutional because it prohibited them from doing so because they were not married.

U. S. District Judge Bernard Friedman ruled in their favor after a nine-day trial.

Most advocates agree that the issue will likely make its way to the U. S. Supreme Court for resolution.