KALAMAZOO (WKZO) — A huge crowd turned out for a spontaneous gathering held just hours after the Supreme Court struck down Michigan’s ban on Same Sex Marriage.
Hundreds appeared in Bronson Park to hear speakers and see Marashette and Katrina Burke renew their vows.
It’s just the first of many weddings that are being planned, and should give a boost to bakeries, wedding singers and reception venues all over the state and nation.
Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell was pressed into service after the Supreme Court Decision yesterday, legalizing same-sex marriage, performing a couple of marriages himself.
He says it’s been a very dramatic time in the life of the nation between the shootings in Charlotte and the reaffirmation of love by the Supreme Court.
He also spoke at Friday evening’s celebration in Bronson Park.
It’s pretty clear that life will go on as usual for most of us, but for a few, two weeks in June have changed their lives forever.
Perhaps the clearest sign that same-sex marriage is now the law of the land is that there was no rush at local clerk’s offices to obtain licenses.
Jay Maddock at the LGBT Resource Center in Kalamazoo says some may want the party, but most just want access to the rights that come with being married. A few clerks across Michigan were providing waivers, allowing couples to get married immediately, and some clerks were also presiding over marriages, but most don’t plan to reopen until Monday.
There is a three day waiting period in Michigan so most who applied will have a few days to think it over before they actually get hitched.
There are of course opponents to same sex marriage.
If the polls are correct, they are in the minority these days. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette’s job was to defend the state’s ban, He disagrees with the Justices but says the law Is the law.
Tony Perkins, the President of the Family research Council says the five justices simply don’t have the moral authority to make such a change.
Kalamazoo Bishop Paul Bradley says the decision puts the churches teachings at odds with the law and changes the very fabric of society. They will not be performing any gay marriages.
