LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Rick Snyder on Friday said the state will ‘fully comply’ with a decision from the U.S. Supreme Court legalizing gay marriage nationwide.
Acknowledging the divisiveness that still exists surrounding the issue, Snyder also urged people living in Michigan to treat everyone with respect.
Michigan was one of four states that played a role in the Supreme Court case after Metro Detroit couple April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse sued in 2012 after learning the state’s ban on same-sex marriage barred them from being able to jointly adopt each other’s children.
A majority of voters in 2004 chose to keep a state ban on gay marriage in place. A federal judge in Detroit last year said a the ban on gay marriage was unconstitutional. But that decision was appealed.
Read Gov. Snyder’s full statement below:
“Same-sex marriage has been a divisive issue in Michigan and across our country. Recognizing that there are strong feelings on both sides, it is important for everyone to respect the judicial process and the decision today from the U.S. Supreme Court. Our state government will follow the law and our state agencies will make the necessary changes to ensure that we will fully comply.
“Let’s also recognize while this issue has stirred passionate debate, we now should focus on the values we share. With this matter now settled, as Michiganders we should move forward positively, embracing our state’s diversity and striving to treat everyone with the respect and dignity they deserve.”
