Affirmations Responds to Judge's Decision in Local Couple's Fight for Marriage Equality

The following information was provided by Affirmations in Ferndale in a press release.

April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse, a lesbian couple seeking marriage equality, will have to wait a little longer as Judge Friedman decided not to issue an opinion in the DeBoer case until after the United States Supreme Court has decided both the California Prop 8 and Windsor (DOMA challenge) cases.

Friedman felt those decisions may be instructive to him in deciding this case.  This means no decision until at least the end of June 2013.

“All children deserve the security and legal protection of two parents, regardless of their sexual orientation and marital status.  To deny them that is both discriminatory and unconstitutional.  Adoption decisions should be based on what is in the best interests of children above all else”, said Affirmations’ Executive Director, Dave Garcia.

“We remain hopeful that the United States Supreme Court will decide in favor of marriage equality and strike down the Defense of Marriage Act this year and that Judge Friedman will also issue a decision that allows April and Jayne to jointly adopt their children”, said Garcia.

Affirmations, along with several other Michigan LGBT organizations, submitted an amicus brief in support of DeBoer and Rowse, indicating that these Moms have a right to adopt, regardless of whether or not the Judge were to strike down Michigan’s constitutional amendment denying gay couples the right to marry.

“It’s time for Michigan to ensure there is a positive environment for all children to prosper.  We as a community need to continue to show judges that Michiganders are ready to take a stand against anti-equality laws by establishing human rights ordinances that include anti-discrimination protections in communities across the state”, said Garcia.

Affirmations is metro Detroit’s community center for lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender (LGBT) people and their allies. Open since 1989 and located in Ferndale, a suburb of Detroit, Affirmations provides a welcoming space where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities & expressions, and cultures can find support and unconditional acceptance, and where they can learn, grow, socialize and have fun.