Michigan State Rep. Josh Schriver, R-Oxford, has introduced a resolution calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
Michigan now joins Idaho, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota in creating resolutions looking to overturn same-sex marriage in the United States.
House Resolution 28 is co-sponsored by the following Republican representatives – Joseph Fox (District 101), Gregory Alexander (District 98), Jason Woolford (District 50), James DeSana (District 29) and Steve Carra (District 36).
At a press conference Tuesday, where he did not take questions and instead directed reporters to contact his office, Schriver defended the resolution. He claimed Obergefell v. Hodges has “defaced the definition of marriage” and increased persecution of Christians.
“Has Obergefell v. Hodges not widened the portal for gays, queers, transsexuals, polygamists, minor-attracted persons and other perverts to advance attacks on our children?” Schriver said.
Schriver also said children of same-sex couples “face greater challenges in education, employment and self-sufficiency compared to those raised by a mother and father.” This statement contradicts the results of numerous studies, which have found children of same-sex couples fare as well, if not better, than those raised by opposite-sex parents.
In response to Schriver’s resolution, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released a video statement, calling marriage equality a “non-negotiable.”
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who is openly lesbian, also released a video statement.
“Upending this constitutional right hurts so many and helps absolutely no one,” Nessel said. “It doesn’t make your eggs cheaper. It doesn’t create more jobs. It doesn’t make housing more affordable. It doesn’t protect your child from an active shooter in school.”
Nessel, who has been married to her wife since 2015, closed her video saying, “A decade after we won the fight for equality, I’m not giving up the fight to maintain it, and I’m sure as hell not giving up this ring.”
Equality Michigan (EQMI) released a statement condemning the resolution.
“This resolution is nothing more than cruel political theater and a bigoted attempt to stir up fear and division at the expense of real families,” said Erin Knott, executive director of Equality Michigan.
“Marriage equality has been the law of the land for nearly a decade, and the vast majority of Americans support it. But make no mistake – this isn’t just about marriage. It’s part of a broader agenda to strip LGBTQ+ people of their fundamental rights.”