Michigan State GOP Representative Advocates for the Illegality of Same-Sex Marriage
In an unexpected development, Josh Schriver, a Republican State Representative of Michigan, stated on Monday his belief that same-sex marriage should be made “illegal again”. Averting to the U.S. Supreme Court decision that set a nationwide precedent almost a decade ago, Schriver’s opinion sharply diverges from it.
Schriver’s Stance on Same-Sex Marriage
Schriver, hailing from Oxford, shared this controversial viewpoint on the social media platform X. This comes merely 27 days post the Nov. 5 election, in which the Michigan GOP retook the control of the House of the state, and a month prior to the commencement of its majority.
Despite the existing legality of same-sex marriage across Michigan and other states owing to a court ruling, the legislative powers vested in Schriver in his capacity as a State Representative does not authorize him to alter this policy. However, his remarks serve to offer insights into the potential approach of at least one member of the newly-minted House majority towards LGBT-related legislative matters.
In his Monday post, Schriver stated, “Make gay marriage illegal again,” adding that this notion was neither extreme nor controversial.
Backlash and Controversy
Contrary to his assertion, Schriver’s comment was met with immediate pushback from Michigan Democrats. Prominent among them was Attorney General Dana Nessel, whose prior legal endeavors include representing two women from Hazel Park in a pivotal lawsuit that propelled the recognition of same-sex marriage rights within the country.
In a retort to Schriver, Nessel questioned the purported benefits to the latter’s constituents from the dissolution of her own marriage and countless others of same-sex couples within America. Additionally, analogously charged responses were issued by Representative Jason Morgan, a Democratic member from Ann Arbor, as he deemed Schriver’s statements as anti-family, controversial, and extreme.
Supreme Court Ruling
In a landmark decision in 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States legalized same-sex marriages through a 5-4 ruling. The verdict drew upon the due process and equal protection statutes provided under the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The document clarified that the liberty to marry extended to same-sex couples could no longer be denied.
Schriver’s Religious Viewpoints
Addressing queries regarding his opposition to same-sex marriage, Schriver pointed to his religious beliefs. He cited several passages from the Bible that, according to him, define marriage as a union strictly between a man and a woman. He further stated that the Supreme Court retains the power to overrule past decisions, indicating his hopes for a potential reversal of the 2015 verdict.
Often, Schriver’s social media usage has resulted in controversy. Earlier this year, the Michigan House Speaker penalized him by removing his budget, staffing, and committee assignments following a racially-charged conspiratorial post.
