LANSING – During a Michigan Pride rally on the Capitol steps today, Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township) announced her plan to introduce legislation that would amend the constitution to allow same-sex marriage in Michigan.
"This is an issue of equality," Byrnes said. "Every person deserves the same rights under the law, regardless of sexual orientation. The discrimination against same-sex couples goes much too far. We can't just say the words 'freedom' and 'equality' and then accept laws that treat certain people in Michigan like second-class citizens."
Supporters rallied amid new hope that more states will continue to recognize same-sex marriage. Thirteen states currently have some level of protection for the rights of same-sex couples. Byrnes acknowledged that the fight would be long and hard, but it's a fight she's willing to take on.
"Momentum to extend equal rights to all is on our side," Byrnes said. "The more people realize that same-sex marriage is about neighbors, family and friends, the more they support it and the more we build momentum to end this injustice. My proposal will help build toward this important change."
Iowa became the first state in the Midwest to legalize same-sex marriage after the Iowa Supreme Court ruled on April 3 that same-sex couples have the right to marry.
Same-sex marriages are not legally recognized in Michigan, however, because voters passed a constitutional amendment that banned gay marriage and other same-sex unions in 2004. But public opinion has swung quickly in recent years, especially in reaction to stories of same-sex couples being denied access to a partner's health care benefits or visitation rights to their loved ones at hospitals.
"No one should be denied visitation rights to a dying loved one or access to health care simply because they happen to be gay or lesbian," Byrnes said. "We are a much better people, state and country than that – it's time for a change."
Byrnes spoke to supporters of same-sex marriage who attended a civil rights rally hosted by Michigan Equality, a statewide organization dedicated to promoting equality and eliminating discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.