Gov. Rick Snyder is giving in to the idea of honoring the more than 300 same-sex marriage couples who were wed in March in Michigan, the Detroit News reports.
Snyder announced Wednesday that state of Michigan will not appeal a U.S. District Court ruling in Detroit that legalizes those marriages in March, Oralander Brand Williams of The Detroit News reports.
“The judge has determined that same-sex couples were legally married on that day, and we will follow the law and extend state marriage benefits to those couples,” Gov. Rick Snyder said in a statement.
“I appreciate that the larger question will be addressed by the U.S. Supreme Court this year. This is an issue that has been divisive across our country. Our nation’s highest court will decide this issue. I know there are strong feelings on both sides of this issue, and it’s vitally important for an expedient resolution that will allow people in Michigan, as well as other states, to move forward together on the other challenges we face.”
On Jan. 15, U.S. District Judge Mark Goldsmith in Detroit ruled that the state must recognize more than 300 same-sex marriages. The bigger issue of same-sex marriage is expected to be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.
