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Coverage from across Michigan and the state Capitol with the Michigan Public Radio Network and Interlochen Public Radio.

Gay Marriage Trial: Decision Expected Within Weeks

A decision on the legal challenge to Michigan’s ban on same-sex marriage is expected in two weeks or less. The trial wrapped up Friday with closing arguments at the federal court in Detroit. A lesbian couple that brought the suit argues the same-sex marriage ban that was approved by voters in 2004 violates their children’s equal protection rights. An emotional April DeBoer says she and her partner want to get married so they can both adopt the special needs kids they’re raising together.

“Jayne and I love our family very much and nothing says family like a legal document that says that we’re married and everybody recognizes that marriage means family and that’s what we want,” she says.

Oakland County Clerk Lisa Brown is technically a defendant in the case, but Brown says she wants the federal judge to strike down the ban. Brown says she will start issuing marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples at the earliest opportunity.

“I think same-sex couples have been treated like second-class citizens long enough, that they deserve equal protection under the law, that marriage is a fundamental right and they should be allowed to get married,” Brown says.

The state is defending the amendment.           

“Essentially, our strongest argument that we have in this case is that the people have spoken,” says Joy Yearout, the spokeswoman for state Attorney General Bill Schuette. “2.7 million Michigan voters made their voices heard, that it’s best for kids to be raised by a mom and a dad. And that’s a very compelling argument and we expect that the people’s wishes will be respected.”

Supporters of the same-sex marriage ban marched outside the courthouse alongside demonstrators who are calling for the amendment to be struck down as unconstitutional. 

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.