Early Valentine's Gift to 300 Michigan Couples

Early Valentine's Gift to 300 Michigan 
Couples

LANSING - Governor Rick Snyder announced Wednesday Feb. 4 that Michigan will recognize 323 same-sex marriages and that he will not appeal a federal injunction requiring the state to recognize marriages that took place last March.

Marriages such as Jody Valley's and Elaine Thomason's, a couple from East Lansing who has been together for 25 years.

"I saw the news on Facebook I think, I texted her, we're legally married in Michigan, we're legally married in Michigan," Valley said.

The two of them say, it's been a rollercoaster of a ride.

"We've been feeling married for many years but to have the state recognize it and have the respect of other people and the state of Michigan to recognize that we are married, it feels very important," Thomason said.

March 22nd of last year Michigan's gay marriage ban was temporarily lifted by a federal judge, triggering hundreds of same-sex couples to flood into local county clerks offices in an attempt to get married.

However, the next day an appeals court suspended the judge's decision, halting any and all addition same-sex marriages.

February 6th, 300 some couples will enjoy all of the state rights, responsibilities and privileges of marriage including filing joint income taxes, adopting children together, enjoying pension benefits and more.

"We welcome everyone who is opposed to same-sex marriage and the freedom to marry to engage in dialogue with us. The truth is, this isn't just about rights or benefits. This is about families that just want to express that love and commitment and share that responsibility of taking care of one another and taking care of their families," said Gina Calcagno, the campaign manager for Michigan for Marriage.

Come April, the U.S Supreme Court will hear two cases on the legality of Michigan's 2004 voter-approved ban and expects to give their final ruling by the end of June, 2015.

Supporters believe that this is going to be the case that brings marriage equality nationwide and that this February 14th will be one for the books.

"I can't think of a better Valentine's present than to have a relationship recognized," Calcagno said.

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