March 22, 2014

Michigan’s Gay Marriage Ban Struck Down Pending Appeal: See How Fast The Movement Is Spreading

New states are recognizing same-sex unions at an astonishing clip.

Jayne Rowse (left) and April DeBoer talk to reporters outside the Federal Courthouse before a judge heard arguments on their lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Michigan's ban on same-sex marriage and adoption by same-sex couples.Jim West/ZUMA Wire

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Update, Saturday, March 22, 2014, 5:05pm ET: A federal appeals court has issued a temporary stay of Judge Friedman’s ruling until the 26th. That means that the issuance of marriage licenses to same-sex couples in Michigan is suspended until at least Wednesday.

Same-sex couples may soon be able to wed in Michigan, following a ruling by US District Judge Bernard Friedman finding the state’s ban on gay marriage unconstitutional. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has asked the courts to freeze Friedman’s ruling while the state pursues an appeal. Since December 2013, courts have also ruled against gay-marriage bans in Texas, Utah, Oklahoma, and Virginia.

The animated map below shows how marriage equality is spreading across the country. Read more about that here.

Molly Redden and Matt Connolly

Here’s the full text of Judge Friedman’s ruling:

 

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