And now it gets more interesting.
Atty. Gen. Eric Holder said Friday the federal government will recognize about 300 same sex marriages that were performed in Michigan on Saturday before a federal appeals court issued a stay to block more marriages. The case is likely to end up before the U.S. Supreme Court.
What it all means is that the couples will be entitled to all federal benefits that other married couples receive.
The Detroit News reports that in January Holder made the same decision for about 1,300 same-sex couples in Utah that were married during a 2 1/2 week period before the U.S. Supreme Court put a district court judge’s ruling on hold until further appeals are considered.
In a statement on the Justice Department website, Holder says:
“I have determined that the same-sex marriages performed last Saturday in Michigan will be recognized by the federal government. These families will be eligible for all relevant federal benefits on the same terms as other same-sex marriages. The Governor of Michigan has made clear that the marriages that took place on Saturday were lawful and valid when entered into, although Michigan will not extend state rights and benefits tied to these marriages pending further legal proceedings.
"For purposes of federal law, as I announced in January with respect to similarly situated same-sex couples in Utah, these Michigan couples will not be asked to wait for further resolution in the courts before they may seek federal benefits to which they are entitled. "
“Last June’s decision by the Supreme Court in United States v. Windsor was a victory for equal protection under the law and a historic step toward equality for all American families. The Department of Justice continues to work with its federal partners to implement this decision across the government. And we will remain steadfast in our commitment to realizing our country’s founding ideals of equality, opportunity, and justice for all.”
Evan Wolfson, president of Freedom to Marry, issued a statement Friday:
“The 300 loving couples in Michigan are as married as any couple on the planet. The Attorney General's decision today respects the legality -- and the dignity -- of their marriages. It's time for Michigan and other discriminating states to do right by all families, and get themselves on the right side of history.”
