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Resolution to Urge the Termination of Efforts to Appeal United States District Court's March 21, 2014 Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law in the Case of Deboer v. Snyder
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Whereas, Article I, Section 25 of the Michigan Constitution (the "MMA") limits the benefits of marriage to the union of one man and one woman;
Whereas, Judge Friedman's March 21, 2014 exhaustive findings of fact and conclusions of law ("Judge Friedman's Ruling") contains an extensive factual record that detailed the manifest harm and destabilizing effect of the MMA on same-sex couples and children raised by same-sex couples;
Whereas, Judge Friedman's Ruling detailed an extensive factual record that revealed the inconsistent and irrational justifications for the MMA;
Whereas, Judge Friedman's Ruling held "that the MMA impermissibly discriminates against same-sex couples in violation of the Equal Protection Clause because the provision does not advance any conceivable legitimate state interest";
Whereas, Judge Friedman's Ruling declared the MMA unconstitutional and prohibited the State of Michigan from effecting its enforcement;
Whereas, On March 22, 2014, seventy four (74) same-sex couples in Washtenaw County were legally married;
Whereas, On March 22, 2014, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a temporary stay of Judge Friedman's ruling;
Whereas, Governor Snyder and Attorney General Schuette have each pledged that they will continue to defend the MMA and thereby work to prevent Michigan same-sex couples from enjoining the tangible and intangible benefits of marriage; and
Whereas, Governor Snyder and Attorney General Schuette have each pledged that they will continue to defend the MMA and thereby work to prevent the children raised by Michigan same-sex couples to enjoy the tangible and intangible benefits of being raised in a home by two married parents;
RESOLVED, That the Ann Arbor City Council supports and applauds Judge Friedman's Ruling, which serves as a righteous and important step in the open and complete integration of LGBT persons into the Ann Arbor community;
RESOLVED, That continued efforts to prohibit same-sex marriage are inherently discriminatory and that they harm LGBT Ann Arborites, harm children raised by LGBT Ann Arborites, and, indeed, degrade the quality of life for all persons in Ann Arbor;
RESOLVED, That the Ann Arbor City Council urges Governor Snyder and Attorney General Schuette to immediately suspend all efforts to appeal or otherwise contest Judge Friedman's Ruling; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator shall cause a copy of this Resolution to be delivered to Governor Snyder, Attorney General Schuette, Senator Warren, Representative Irwin, and Representative Zemke.
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Taylor, Teall, Briere, Warpehoski, Lumm and Mayor Hieftje