LANSING – Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township) today introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives her plan to amend the state constitution to allow same-sex marriage in Michigan.
"This really boils down to treating all people with the dignity and respect everyone deserves," Byrnes said. "So many of us were raised to treat others how we'd like to be treated – it's about time we start actually doing that. Last time I checked, the Golden Rule didn't say 'treat others how you'd like to be treated, unless they are gay or lesbian.' "
Byrnes' plan amends Michigan's Constitution to allow same-sex marriages and allows Michigan to recognize same-sex marriages from other states. The plan also contains a religious exemption that allows clergy the right to refuse performing or certifying same-sex marriages.
Fifteen states currently have some level of protection for the rights of same-sex couples. Same-sex marriages are not legally recognized in Michigan because voters passed a constitutional amendment that banned gay marriage and other same-sex unions in 2004. However, 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.
"Same-sex couples should not be denied the joys and responsibilities that come with making a lifetime commitment to each other," Byrnes said. "The Michigan I know is not a place that would deny visitation rights to a dying loved one or access to health care just because of someone's sexual orientation. It's wrong to arbitrarily treat certain groups of people like second-class citizens and it's time to update our laws in Michigan to make sure no one is treated that way."