Troy Religious Leaders Prepared to Perform Same Sex Marriages

If a U.S. district judge rules on Wednesday that Michigan’s 2004 ban on same-sex marriage violates the U.S. Constitution, clergy members, including ones in Troy, are prepared to help couples across metro Detroit tie the knot.

Equality Michigan, an advocacy organization that works in Michigan's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities, has posted a searchable database to help same-sex couples navigate the marriage process. The database lists Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg of Congregation Shir Tikvah and Rev. Rick Green of Central Woodward Christian Church in Troy as a clergy member willing to perform same-sex ceremonies. 

Oakland County's clerk office in Pontiac is listed among those that will provide licenses to same sex couples. 

If Judge Bernard 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, pending a higher court decision. 

Friedman may also decide whether the state’s ban on same-sex couples adopting violates the constitution, according to the Detroit Free Press.

--Patch editor Jessica Nunez contributed to this story.