Today a federal appeals court in Cincinnati upheld anti-gay marriage laws in four states breaking ranks with
other courts that have considered the issue and setting up the prospect of
Supreme Court review.
The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel that heard
arguments on gay marriage bans or restrictions in Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and
Tennessee on Aug. 6 split 2-1, with Circuit Judge Jeffrey Sutton writing the
majority opinion. The ruling creates a divide among federal appeals courts,
increasing the likelihood the Supreme Court will now take up the issue.
Michigan pastor Stacy Swimp was enthusiastic about the
ruling Thursday.
"I'm very happy that the courts decided to uphold the
voting rights
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| Stacy Swimp |
of 2.7 million voters who under the Michigan and the U.S.
constitutions exercised their voting rights," said Swimp of the National
Christian Leadership Council and a member of the National Coalition of Black
Pastors and Christian Leaders, which filed amicus briefs in the case opposing
gay marriage. "No court had the right to usurp their God-given
rights."
The 64-page ruling notes four courts have upheld same-sex
unions, but for different reasons in each case.
"Even if we … assume that same-sex marriage will be
recognized one day in all fifty states, that does not tell us how — whether
through the courts or through democracy. And if through the courts, that does
not tell us why," the opinion states.
The ruling says "process and structure matter greatly
in American government" and laws passed by voters shouldn't be overturned
on a whim. The issue should not be settled by a "poll of three judges on
this panel … about whether gay marriage is a good idea."
The court also said the traditional perception of marriage
cannot simply be overruled.
"A dose of humility makes us hesitant to condemn as
unconstitutionally irrational a view of marriage shared not long ago by every
society in the world, shared by most, if not all, of our ancestors, and shared
still today by a significant number of states," the ruling states.
Attorney General Bill Schuette said he's ready when and if the
case will to the Supreme Court.
"The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit has
ruled, and Michigan's constitution remains in full effect," Schuette said.
"As I have stated repeatedly, the U.S. Supreme Court will have the final
word on this issue. The sooner they rule, the better, for Michigan and the
country."
More than 300 couples received marriage licenses in several
Michigan counties, including Dick Devos’ Michigan Gubernatorial campaign manager and current Director
of the political pact Michigan Freedom Fund Greg McNeilly before an appeals
judge imposed a stay.
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Greg McNeilly, 42, left of Grand Rapids, attempting to marry
his
longtime partner Doug Meeks, 37, of Lansing,
outside the Ingham County courtroom
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