DETROIT (Feb 24, 2014) — The definition of marriage takes center stage in Michigan this week.
The highly anticipated trial begins Tuesday in Detroit. A federal judge will confront the issues of children, parenting, and religion. The trial may redefine the state’s laws on gay marriage and adoption.
The case involves two nurses from Oakland County. April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse sued in January 2012. They argue the state’s gay marriage and adoption bans violate their rights of adopting each other’s children.
According to the Detroit Free Press, both sides claim to have science on their side. The state argues that Michigan voters have already spoken on the issue, approving a constitutional amendment that defined marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
One of several lawyers fighting to overturn the ban says gay couples are just as loving and capable as straight couples and deserve the same rights to families.
The trial is expected to last eight days.
