While conceding that more than 300 same-sex couples were legally married this past weekend, in the wake of a federal judge’s finding last Friday that the Michigan gay marriage ban was unconstitutional, Governor Rick Snyder told reporters in Lansing earlier today that, pending an appeal filed by Attorney General Bill Schuette, the State would not recognize these marriages, and, as such, these 600+ married individuals would remain ineligible for State benefits associated with marriage.
After saying, “We believe those are legal marriages, and valid marriages,” Snyder added, “The stay being issued the next night made it more complicated.”
I can understand, given that he’s in a tight race for reelection, that he’d want to straddle both sides of the issue, deflecting a majority of the criticism at his Attorney General, who called for the aforementioned stay, but it seems like an untenable position, given that, no matter what side of the issue you stand on, he looks both weak and ineffective. Either he’s the hapless Governor who lacks the strength to stand up to an Attorney General who took it upon himself to fight against the inevitable, or he’s the Governor who doesn’t have the courage to stand up and say what others in his party believe to be true, which is that these “marriages” were the work of activist clerks in a few isolated counties who took the opportunity to open their offices on a weekend in order to sneak in weddings before the stay went into effect, thus creating cases which could, if need be, make it to the Supreme Court.
Instead, though, Snyder is trying to maintain his tenuous position between the two sides, saying that, while these people are legally married, his hands are tied, and leaving us to draw our own conclusions about his true feelings from the little, offhand comments he’s made in the press, like the one at the bottom of this clip from Crain’s, in which Snyder says that Schuette isn’t answering his calls.
And then there’s this sentence in today’s MLive coverage: “Snyder said he did not advise Schuette to file the appeal and has not been personally involved in the legal battle.”
I don’t suppose we’ll ever know the truth… whether Snyder acquiesced when told by the hardliners bankrolling the Michigan Republican Party that they wanted the emergency appeal to be filed, or whether Schuette just ran off and did it on his own, without consulting the administration. And, to be honest, it doesn’t really matter. This whole thing is a fucking mess, and both Schuette and Snyder need to go. Gay marriage, like it or not, is here to stay, and they should have known better than to let things get to this point. When the history books are written, they’ll look as preposterous as George “segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever” Wallace, standing there in the the University of Alabama doorway, blocking black students from entering.
Here, to give you an idea of the shit-storm brewing, are two responses to Snyder’s statement. The first is from the ACLU of Michigan. And the second is from Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer.
ACLU OF MICHIGAN:
We’re pleased that the state has conceded that more than 300 couples were legally married on Saturday after Judge Friedman’s historic ruling. This acknowledgment opens the door for federal recognition of these marriages.
However, it’s simply astonishing that the governor now plans to deny these legally married couples the benefits of marriage that all other legally married couples are entitled to under state law.
As a matter of law and fundamental fairness, the state is obligated to extend all the rights and responsibilities that flow from marriage to the more than 300 couples married this weekend. Doing anything less violates our laws, shamefully treats legally married gay and lesbian couples like second-class citizens, and adds to the confusion and instability these loving families have had to endure.
We will continue to explore legal options on behalf of these couples and encourage those who have been denied the benefits of marriage to contact us.
GRETCHEN WHITMER:
I’m absolutely offended that Governor Snyder would continue to deny these couples the same rights, opportunities and benefits that every other legally married couple is entitled to in our state… His actions are laughable. His excuses are simply disgraceful.
14 Comments
Many of us have started to work to help elect Mark Schauer. Have your friends Matt and Rene done anything similar?
Lighten up, Bob. They already held a kickoff fundraiser for him last year. Where were you?
Bob,
Read this article.
“Matt and Rene Greff, after supporting Snyder for Governor, now work to unseat him”
http://markmaynard.com/2013/06/matt-and-rene-greff-after-supporting-snyder-for-governor-now-work-to-unseat-him/
Yeah, we’ll see right. Unseating him and his Koch Bros. checkbook should be a snap. Ooh! We got a site administrator now!
Jack Lessenberry on Bill Schuette and his Democratic rival for AG Mark Totten.
Read more:
http://metrotimes.com/news/politics-and-prejudices/can-bill-schuette-be-beaten-1.1657278
I could understand it if Snyder was a homophobe. I don’t think that’s the case though. He’s just incredibly weak. He’s spineless and can’t stand up to the far right.
Let them eat (wedding) cake.
Hi! Just wondering…when is the expiration date for bringing up the Greffs and Snyder thing (that wasn’t even really a thing)? Or can we just call MAYNARD’S LAW and then all discussion ceases on that thread.
I too voted for Snyder on the premise that he was a moderate technocrat in republican clothing. Turns out Mark’s premise is 100% correct – he’s weak willed and lacks the strength to hold back the loud and ineffective wing of his party. Unless the democrats nominate a Larouchie by accident I’m voting for whoever they put up.
I did not vote for Snyder.
I like how there seems to be an expiration date on topics when it involves people we like and places that are cozy for enjoying a shitty beer. The damage Snyder has done is definitely “a thing.” Sorry.
Michigan may not recognize the marriages, but the feds will.
Read more:
http://www.washingtonblade.com/2014/03/28/breaking-obama-admin-recognize-michigan-sex-marriages/
Our Mayor wrote to the AG:
Dear Attorney General Schuette,
As mayor of the city of Ypsilanti, I performed a wedding ceremony on Saturday for a loving couple who have been together for 26 years. Like many other couples who were given marriage licenses in Michigan on March 22, they have a strong, stable relationship spanning decades. They have volunteered tirelessly for their home city of Ypsilanti. In short, they have made Ypsilanti a better place.
Please drop the appeal of Judge Friedman’s ruling striking down Michigan’s constitutional amendment barring same sex marriage. Give all devoted couples the freedom to marry and declare their commitment to each other and their families.
Thank you.
Paul Schreiber
Marriage Of 300 Same-Sex Couples Ruled Valid In Michigan
Read more:
http://www.pridesource.com/article.html?article=69801
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