Michigan’s lesbian attorney general slams GOP movement to end marriage rights

[Jessica_Rose]

Michigan's lesbian attorney general slams GOP movement to end marriage rights in just 4 words

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/michigan-s-lesbian-attorney-general-slams-gop-movement-to-end-marriage-rights-in-just-4-words/ar-AA1zLAcG?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=d93331c457f34dacbb2a355e55c358bb&ei=29

Story by Alex Bollinger (25 Feb 2025)

As Republicans try to get states across the nation to pass resolutions calling for the Supreme Court to end same-sex couples' marriage rights, Michigan's out attorney general, Dana Nessel, has a succinct message for them.

Idaho's and North Dakota's legislatures have advanced measures telling the Supreme Court to end same-sex marriage rights by overturning its 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision, and an Oklahoma Republican state lawmaker introduced a bill to create a test case to overturn the ruling that legalized marriage rights in all 50 states.

Now a Michigan Republican is trying to do the same in the Great Lakes State.

Michigan state Rep. Josh Schriver (R) said that he will introduce a resolution later this week telling the Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell.

He added that his resolution would protect "the sanctity of marriage and constitutional protections that ensure freedom of conscience."

Since he called out Nessel, she had a quick reply for him on social media, posting a picture of a woman with a wedding ring and the words "Come and get it."

The line is a reference to her speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, where she praised Kamala Harris for refusing "to defend California's ban on same-sex marriage" when Harris was the California attorney general.

"She refused to argue that some families should have fewer rights than other families, it meant a lot: She was fighting for families like mine."

[D'Amalie]

I'm so sad.  Frightened too. 
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they're not out to get me.

[Lexxi]

The gay people who don't support trans people thought they could keep their heads down and just let us trans people get taken out. Trans people kept telling them that we're stronger together and we need each other, but they didn't believe it.

They thought they would skate by and the bigots would ignore them. Now they're facing not having legal marriages because just like we tried to warn, they'll come for you next.

I can't believe we're having to have these fights in this day and age.

[Paulie]

Please stop worrying about things that are never going to happen. 

-   The Supreme Court does not make rulings based on resolutions.  That's not how the Supreme Court works.  The SCOTUS takes a small percentage of the cases that have been appealed up to the Supreme Court.  And it is small, currently about 3% of the cases.  The rest are left to stand on the ruling of the lower courts.  Because it was so recently decided, a same sex marriage case would never make it to the SCOTUS and if it did it would be denied.  (The case would be denied, not same sex marriage.) 
-   Despite some states trying to pass resolutions, there is not enough support in the GOP to pass any law banning same sex marriages.  Most republicans just don't care anymore, or in a lot of cases have gay friends that they would be happy to attend the ceremony if invited.  Same sex marriage is no longer a hill on which, all but a very few, GOP politicians wish to die on at this point.
-   In February of 2020 Trump appointed Richard Grenell as acting Director of National Intelligence.   Richard Grenell became the first openly gay man appointed to a cabinet level position in the US government.  So far this term (just over a month) he's appointed 6 members of the LGBT community to positions in the administration.  And at least 10 more are slated for major administration posts.  Does this sound like a man that's going to sign a bill banning same sex marriage?   

People like Alex Bollinger, that write these kinds of stories are dirt bags just trying to get clicks by panicking people unnecessary.

https://nypost.com/2025/01/18/us-news/trump-is-tapping-members-of-the-lgbt-community-for-top-spots-in-administration/   

[Lori Dee]

The Supreme Court does not make rulings based on resolutions.  That's not how the Supreme Court works. 

Very good, Paulie! Thank you for that.

In fact, that is not how any court works. As it was explained to me, a court cannot decide on any case that is not before them in court. A resolution is not a case, it is not a lawsuit, so a judge cannot make a ruling on it.

It is up to the Legislature to pass a law, that then gets enforced, and that then brings a case into the court for a ruling.

[MaryT]

Please stop worrying about things that are never going to happen. 

...
-   In February of 2020 Trump appointed Richard Grenell as acting Director of National Intelligence.   Richard Grenell became the first openly gay man appointed to a cabinet level position in the US government.  So far this term (just over a month) he's appointed 6 members of the LGBT community to positions in the administration.  And at least 10 more are slated for major administration posts.  Does this sound like a man that's going to sign a bill banning same sex marriage?   

People like Alex Bollinger, that write these kinds of stories are dirt bags just trying to get clicks by panicking people unnecessary.

https://nypost.com/2025/01/18/us-news/trump-is-tapping-members-of-the-lgbt-community-for-top-spots-in-administration/   

Frankly, I for one wasn't panicking about an attempt to end same sex marriage rights.  On the contrary, I was hoping that it might stimulate gay people to come out (no pun) on the side of transgender people.  The linked article talks about members of the LGBT community but it actually means members of the LGB community.  I am disappointed that so many gay people have blithely joined the Trump administration in spite of being aware of his attitude to transgender people.

[Sarah B]

Hi Everyone

Same Sex Marriage Isn't Going Anywhere
Despite some recent efforts by Republican led states like Michigan, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Idaho to challenge Obergefell versus Hodges, same sex marriage is still pretty secure both legally and politically.

There are several reasons why it is unlikely we will see marriage equality overturned anytime soon.

• Supreme Court Precedent Stare Decisis.
  The Supreme Court rarely overturns its own decisions and Obergefell is rooted in the 14th Amendment.  Plus there is currently no legal challenge to same sex marriage on the Court's agenda.
• Respect for Marriage Act 2022.
  This federal law mandates that states recognize same sex marriages from other states ensuring legal protections stay in place even if Obergefell were to be reversed.
• Strong Public Support.
  A 2023 Gallup poll found that 71 percent of Americans including a fair number of Republicans back same sex marriage.  This widespread support makes any attempts to roll it back politically risky.
• Divided Republican Leadership
  Although some conservatives oppose marriage equality others are showing more acceptance like Donald Trump's appointment of Rick Grenell, who is openly gay.
• Unenforceable State Level Bans
  Any state laws trying to limit same sex marriage would likely get struck down unless Obergefell were overturned which as mentioned seems highly improbable.
• Lack of Active Legal Challenges
  There are no cases challenging Obergefell currently making their way to the Supreme Court so an immediate reversal is not in the cards.
• Political and Social Backlash
  The fallout from overturning Roe v Wade showed just how much pushback can arise and going after marriage equality would likely provoke even more outrage making it a tough fight for conservatives.

Same Sex Marriage is Here to Stay
With strong legal foundations federal protections overwhelming public backing and significant political risks overturning Obergefell is extremely unlikely.  While some states might keep putting forward symbolic legislation against same sex marriage it continues to be legally recognized and protected throughout the United States.

These politicians are well aware that they probably will not succeed in overturning same sex marriage, but that is not really their main goal.  They are more focused on grabbing headlines, boosting media engagement and raking in fundraising dollars, all while reinforcing their standing with the most extreme parts of their supporters.  It's not so much about making laws as it is about putting on a show.

As Paulie, Lori and Mary have pointed out, this is not going to happen anytime soon and any legislation that does manage to get passed will face immediate challenges.  These lawmakers are not truly involved in serious policymaking; instead, they are trolling, fishing for clicks and trying to gain fame.  Their main aim seems to be to spark controversy, energize their base and create fundraising chances, rather than to drive any meaningful change.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Lori Dee @MaryT @Paulie

[Jessica_Rose]

I would look at this news as a good measurement of how supportive / tolerant states are. While they may not be able to change the laws anytime soon, I would try to avoid moving to any state attempting to pass a resolution like this.

Love always -- Jessica Rose