GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (June 14, 2014) — Saturday evening, Erika Bobire and Lauren Rockel attended the Western Michigan Gay Pride Celebration in Downtown Grand Rapids.
“I feel that, Michigan in general, I was not expecting them to overturn [the same-sex marriage ban] when they did. So I am impressed to see that it went through when it did,” Bobire said.
The repealed ban is currently in limbo until the courts make a final decision.
Rockel said, “When I started paying attention to it, there was really only 6 states that had legalized it.”
Whether you agree or disagree with same-sex marriage, several states are going through a very similar legal process Michigan is currently going through.
Idaho, Utah, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Kentuck, and Virginia are currently in the same situation.
In all of these states, a ban on same-sex marriage has been ruled unconstitutional pending appeal.
“I think it’s awful that they’re doing that to people, giving somebody a right and just taking it away,” Rockel said.
Opponents also attended the festival in protest of homosexuality, including Christine Weick.
“I tell you what. It’s no different than love your neighbor. But if your neighbor’s house is on fire, and they’re sleeping in it, you do everything you can to wake them up,” Weick said.
She stood quietly until spoken to and used her sign as a conversation starter.
“The Bible is clear in Romans [Chapter] 1 on homosexuality. I’m not here to judge them, the Bible has already done that. I’m here to warn them, get out of the burning house,” she added.
As the state awaits the court’s decision, Governor Snyder said the state won’t recognize same-sex marriages from late March. United States Attorney General Eric Holder said the federal government will.
