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Judge Says Michigan Must Recognize Same-Sex Marriages Performed Last March A federal judge says the

wnmufm.org

A federal judge says the state must recognize the marriages of 300 gay and lesbian couples.

They were married last year during a one-day window in Michigan when it was legal.

More from The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Rick Pluta.

That was after a federal judge struck down Michigan’s same-sex marriage ban and before the decision was put on hold an appeals court. That case is now on a path to the US Supreme Court.

Glenna DeJonge says she cried when she learned her marriage will be recognized regardless of what happens with that case.

“I’m ecstatic,” she says.  “This is great news, not just for us but for the 300 couples that were married that day.”

The federal judge said having the 300 marriages recognized is a “fundamental right.”

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette says his office is reviewing the decision.

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.
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