Get married Monday

Friday, March 21 — Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum said today she will begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples at 8 a.m. Monday “if it is still legal.”

In a major decision issued today, federal Judge Bernard Friedman ruled Michigan’s ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. But unlike similar rulings in other states recently, Friedman did not stay his decision pending an appeal — meaning same-sex couples can obtain marriage licenses.

However, Attorney General Bill Schuette — who argues in support of the amendment approved by Michigan voters in 2004 — announced he has filed an emergency stay on the decision, as well as an appeal.

“In 2004 the citizens of Michigan recognized that diversity in parenting is best for kids and families because moms and dads are not interchangeable,” Schuette said in a statement. “Michigan voters enshrined that decision in our State constitution, and their will should stand and be respected. I will continue to carry out my duty to protect and defend the Constitution.”

If the stay is not granted by Monday, Byrum said licenses will be issued at the Clerk’s Office at the Ingham County Courthouse in Mason and at the Veterans Memorial Courthouse in Lansing.