Gretchen Whitmer blasts resolution that condemns gay marriage ruling: ‘Hell no’

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, has taken a stand against a proposed resolution that condemns the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges gay marriage ruling. The resolution, put forth by state Rep. Josh Schriver and other Michigan lawmakers, reaffirms the definition of marriage as stated in the state’s constitution: a union between one man and one woman.

Despite Michigan’s constitution explicitly defining marriage as between a man and a woman, the Obergefell v. Hodges decision by the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage nationwide. This landmark ruling granted same-sex couples the fundamental right to marry, declaring that this liberty could no longer be denied to them.

Schriver has raised concerns about the implications of the Obergefell decision, questioning whether it has opened the door for other unconventional forms of unions to be recognized. He specifically mentioned groups such as polygamists, transsexuals, and minor-attracted persons, suggesting that the ruling has led to attacks on traditional values and the innocence of children.

In response to the proposed resolution, Gov. Whitmer released a video expressing her opposition to any efforts to overturn marriage equality. She firmly stated, “Hell no,” emphasizing her support for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals to marry whomever they choose. Whitmer criticized what she referred to as “extreme members” pushing for the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision on marriage equality.

Schriver, on the other hand, has called for a return to Christian values and the sovereignty of Christ as the basis for defining marriage. He urged for a restoration of God’s authority and a submission to divine will in matters of marriage and family.

Despite their differing views on the issue, both Whitmer and Schriver have called for respectful dialogue and understanding between opposing sides. Schriver even took to social media to ask for prayers for Gov. Whitmer, highlighting the importance of compassion and empathy in political discourse.

As Michigan continues to grapple with the complexities of marriage laws and LGBTQ+ rights, the debate over Obergefell v. Hodges serves as a microcosm of the larger societal conversations surrounding equality, tradition, and personal freedoms. The resolution proposed by Schriver and the vocal response from Gov. Whitmer underscore the ongoing tensions and divisions within the state’s political landscape.