State Rep. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor) prepares his legislation to protect marriage equality for enrollment at the Michigan Capitol on June 13, 2023.
LANSING, Mich., June 15, 2023 — State Rep. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor) introduced House Joint Resolution F earlier this week to codify marriage equality in Michigan. The joint resolution would amend Section 1 of Article X and repeal Section 25 of Article I of the state constitution to protect the right to marriage and its legal benefits between any two individuals in the state of Michigan.
“No couple in our state should live with the fear that their marriage could be put into jeopardy,” Morgan said. “While marriage between individuals of the same sex is currently protected through a ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court, the overturning of Roe v. Wade has made it clear how precarious our rights truly are. I am so excited to be marrying the love of my life, Jon, this year, and I will not rest until we protect the right to marriage for every couple in Michigan.”
The bill package strikes Michigan laws banning same-sex marriage and amends dozens of statutes that still contain gendered marital references. The package includes 52 bills and is co-sponsored by nearly half of the House of Representatives (49 representatives).
“My Democratic colleagues and I have made it clear from the outset of this term that we will stand up for the rights of all Michiganders, including those in the LGBTQ+ community,” said state Rep. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park). “Adding anti-discrimination protections to our civil rights law and codifying marriage equality show our commitment that hate has no place in our state.”
According to the Michigan Constitution, the House joint resolution would need to be approved by a two-thirds majority of the members elected to and serving in each house of the Legislature. If passed by the House and Senate, the joint resolution would then require approval by the voters at the next statewide general election.