'Love is Love and Love is Good'

Today is the day a U.S. district judge is expected to make a ruling about whether Michigan’s 2004 ban on same-sex marriage violates the U.S. Constitution. 

The judge, Bernard Friedman, may also decide whether the state’s ban on same-sex adoption violates the constitution, according to the Detroit Free Press.

If Friedman decides to lift the ban and doesn't choose to keep the law in effect while his decision is appealed, same-sex marriage would be legal in Michigan until a higher court overturned Friedman's decision.

In Brighton, Patch readers who responded on Monday to a Brighton Patch Facebook question showed support for same-sex marriages.

• Rachel Meade wrote: "I think with all the crazy crap and problems in the world, where ever you find TRUE healthy love go for it!"
• Terri Meadows wrote: "Equal opportunity should be for everyone and include everything."
• Noëlle Vieau wrote: "Love is love, and love is good."
• Nancy J Lewis Latimer wrote: "It's about time."

If the ban is lifted, the Marriage Equality Center has prepared a set of resources to help couples tie the knot in the hours or days after the decision. According to the website, as soon as a ruling is made:

• Confirm if your clerk is issuing same-sex marriage licenses
• Double check the filing process and requirements
• If your county is issuing licenses - and you would like - go to a local clergy performing ceremonies

• Bay County
• Clare County
• Delta County
• Ingham County
• Isabella County
• Lapeer County
• Midland County
• Oakland County
• Ottawa County
• Tuscola County
• Washtenaw County

The case Friedman will hear on Wednesday involves April DeBoer, 42, and Jayne Rowse, 48, of Hazel Park, who want to jointly adopt each other's children, according to Michigan Radio.

Michigan law does not permit unmarried couples to do this, and the couple is asking the court to overturn a 2004 law that prohibits same-sex couples from marrying in the state.

Michigan State Attorney General Bill Schuette will argue to uphold the marriage ban before Friedman on Wednesday, according to the Free Press.