Federal Appeals Court Upholds Ban on Gay Marriage

A federal appeals court today upheld a ban on gay marriage in Michigan, as well as Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. For Michigan, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a March ruling from a judge who had ruled the ban unconstitutional. The case had been brought against the state by April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse (pictured), a couple from Hazel Park who sued after not being allowed to jointly adopt their children.

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette who appealed that ruling by Judge Bernard Friedman issued a statement today saying "the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has ruled and Michigan's constitution remains in full effect. As I have stated repeatedly, the U.S. Supreme Court will have the final word on this issue. The sooner they rule, the better for Michigan and the country."

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder also issued a statement regarding the decision saying "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 the process, I respect the court's decision as it examines the legality of same-sex marriage."

Michigan's Fifth Congressional District Representative Dan Kildee said "while I am disappointed in today's ruling by the Sixth Circuit, I know in the long view of history it will only be a small setback in the ultimate pursuit of equality." He added that "with today's ruling the U.S. Supreme Court should immediately take up the issue of marriage equality."