2004 House Joint Resolution U

Homosexual marriage ban

Introduced in the House

Jan. 22, 2004

Introduced by Rep. Gary Newell (R-87)

To place before the voters in the next general election a Constitutional amendment to establish that only marriage between one man and one woman shall be recognized as valid in Michigan, and that no other relationship shall be recognized as a marriage or its legal equivalent by the state, its political subdivisions, or state educational institutions, regardless of whether such a relationship is recognized by the laws of any jurisdiction outside of Michigan.

Referred to the Committee on Families and Childrens Services

March 9, 2004

Substitute offered by Rep. Gary Newell (R-87)

To replace the previous version of the resolution with one that states "only the union of one man and one woman shall be recognized as a marriage or its legal equivalent by this state or its political subdivisions, excluding all other unions." This eliminates the explicit inclusion in the prohibition of state colleges and universities, many of which offer "domestic partner" insurance benefits. Proponents of the substitute contended that, unlike the introduced version, this leaves open the possible recognition of civil unions. It also moves the date of the proposed vote to the August, 2004 primary election instead of the November general election.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Gary Newell (R-87)

To eliminate the word "union" from the description of marriages that are legally recognized, and instead say "only the MARRIAGE of one man and one woman" is recognized.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Failed in the House 65 to 38 (details)

To place before the voters in the August, 2004 primary election a Constitutional amendment to establish that "only the marriage of one man and one woman shall be recognized as a marriage or its legal equivalent by this state or its political subdivisions, excluding all other unions." The measure failed because it takes a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate to put a Constitutional amendment on the ballot (73 and 26 votes, respectively).