Same-Sex Couples Prepare for Lifting of Gay Marriage Ban in Michigan

On Wednesday, a U.S. district judge is expected to make a ruling about whether Michigan’s 2004 ban on same-sex marriage violates the U.S. Constitution. 

The judge, Bernard Friedman, may also decide whether the state’s ban on same-sex adoption violates the constitution, according to the Detroit Free Press.

If Friedman decides to lift the ban and doesn't choose to keep the law in effect while his decision is appealed, same-sex marriage would be legal in Michigan until a higher court overturned Friedman's decision.

Bishop Jerry Brohl of the Blessed John XXII Community Church in Wyandotte will have his robes on Wednesday afternoon in anticipation of couples seeking a wedding ceremony.

“I don’t think God makes the kind of distinctions that we do,” he told the Free Press. “Love is love. We’re an interfaith Christian church, and we welcome all people.”

Brohl, who considers himself an independent Catholic, blogs on Patch about a wide range of topics, including gun violence and religious freedom.

The case Friedman will hear on Wednesday involves April DeBoer, 42, and Jayne Rowse, 48, of Hazel Park, who want to jointly adopt each other's children, according to Michigan Radio.

Michigan law does not permit unmarried couples to do this, and the couple is asking the court to overturn a 2004 law that prohibits same-sex couples from marrying in the state.

Michigan State Attorney General Bill Schuette will argue to uphold the marriage ban before Friedman on Wednesday, according to the Free Press.