Plans Already in the Works to Challenge Court of Appeals Ruling on Michigan’s Gay Marriage Ban

Those at the center of the challenge of Michigan's ban on same-sex marriage say they won't be deterred by the ruling of the 6th U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals Thursday that allowed for the ban to stay in place in Michigan and three other states.

Voters in Michigan in 2004 headed to the polls to define a marriage as between one man and one woman.  While challenges to the definition have been successful in a number of other states, the Appeals court ruled Thursday Michigan's ban should be kept in place until future action is taken locally--not by a court.

Governor Snyder, who has kept a low profile on social issues, released this statement shortly after the ruling was announced.

"When I became governor, I took an oath to support and defend our state constitution, without exceptions.  My obligation to carry out that oath is not a matter of personal preference.  As I have said throughout this process, I will respect the court's decision as it examines the legality of same-sex marriage.  The 6th U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the language in our state's constitution.  This means there is no change in Michigan's marriage laws.  As I have previously stated,  the same-sex couples who married at county clerk offices in the period between U. S. District Judge Bernard Friedman's ruling in March and the 6th U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals' temporary stay of that ruling, were legally married."

The governor went on to say that due to the high court ruling on Thursday, they would not qualify for state benefits in accordance with the state constitution.

Those affected by the ruling, especially the two nurses who filed suit in federal court in Detroit, say the battle is far from over.

Carole Stanyar, the women's attorney, says paperwork has already been prepared to take the case to the U. S. Supreme Court.

She told ABC News that the case could very well be taken up by the high court due to its previous court proceeding which ruled in the nurses' favor.  She's hoping justices will consider the issue and act in this session.

Attorney General Bill Schuette, who unsuccessfully argued the case for keeping the ban in place as per the wishes of voters in Michigan, said he would welcome the U. S. Supreme Court to decide the issue for not only Michigan but the nation as well.

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