“I was honored to be an official witness at the wedding of two of my friends who were among the 300 same-sex couples married on March 22, 2014. Their long-term commitment to one another is no different than any other marriage recognized by the state. I’m pleased that Gov. Rick Snyder has decided not to challenge Judge Mark A. Goldsmith’s ruling, which validates their marriage in the eyes of the state.
“Gov. Snyder and Attorney General Bill Schuette, however, should not have challenged Judge Bernard Friedman’s initial ruling striking down Michigan’s ban on marriage equality. I’m hopeful that this long legal battle will soon end and the U.S. Supreme Court will allow gay and lesbian couples to live their lives with the same protections as heterosexual couples.”