Byrnes same-sex marriage initiative surprises Mich. Democrats
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Michigan Messenger: Concerned with the party’s electoral fortunes in 2010, many Michigan Democrats were caught off guard on Friday when State Rep. Pam Byrnes announced she would introduce legislation aimed at reversing the state’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage OK’d by voters in 2004.
“The time has come,” Byrnes, the House speaker pro tem, said in an interview with Michigan Messenger, which first reported the lawmaker’s plan on Friday afternoon. “I think attitudes are changing. We are seeing other states flip on this issue especially when you get the former Vice President Dick Cheney acknowledging same-sex marriages then I think we definitely see a change in attitude and it’s time to revisit this.” Byrnes plans on formally announcing her legislation on Saturday at the Michigan Pride gay rights rally at the state Capitol. But the Washtenaw County Democrat’s plan faces considerable challenges. A two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers is required in order to put the measure before Michigan voters. While the Democrats control the House, which would be more likely to pass Byrnes’ bill, getting two-thirds of the Republican-controlled Senate would be highly more difficult. “While we support repeal of the ban, I think getting a two-thirds [majority vote in the legislature] could be difficult,” said Mark Brewer, chairman of the Michigan Democratic Paty. “We will have to deal with it as it moves along the process.”
Gary Glenn of the American Family Association of Michigan, who helped drive the ballot initiative that ultimately created Michigan’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, said Byrnes’ proposed legislation has little chance of success. And Glenn could be right. While a recent poll reported on by the Detroit Free Press has showed a significant shift in support for same-sex marriage in the state since the 2004 statewide vote, support for same-sex marriage in the state currently stands at 46.5 percent.
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