We applaud Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette for his bold defense of the 2004 Marriage Amendment in the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. For now, that decision has affirmed the historic definition of marriage as between a man and a woman by declaring that states have the right to decide the issue.
Yesterday, the Attorney General filed the State of Michigan’s response brief for the U.S. Supreme Court’s consideration in DeBoer v. Snyder. The State’s brief was filed 24 days ahead of schedule, reflecting the State of Michigan’s desire to have the case resolved as soon as possible.
Here is a portion from his review:
“This case comes down to two words: who decides….The history of our democracy demonstrates the wisdom of allowing the people to decide important issues at the ballot box, rather than ceding those decisions to unelected judges.”
Attorney General Schuette is now urging the U.S. Supreme Court take up this issue soon, to uphold the recent Appeals Court ruling. He noted in his statement from November 7 the day after the plaintiffs filed the appeal,
“As I have said from the beginning, the sooner the U.S. Supreme Court rules, the better, for Michigan and for the nation.”
This Detroit Free Press article highlights some excellent portions from the Attorney General’s filings.
Follow our Marriage on Trial page for articles on the topic.
Also, read our recent Guest Column: “Marriage – Who Decides?” by attorney Jeff Johnson.