Public Media from Michigan State University

State commission reviews MI laws after same sex decision

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Michigan Law Revision Commission Chairman Richard McLellan (right), with Current State host Mark Bashore
Scott Pohl

Two hundred Michigan laws include the word “marriage.” After last week’s Supreme Court ruling legalizing same sex marriages, all of them need to be reviewed. Current State speaks with the chairman of the Michigan Law Revision Commission, Richard McLellan.

In Michigan law, there are more than 100 references to the word “husband” and a hundred more that refer to “wife.” There are 200 mentions of the word “marriage.” These many references are destined to create legal confusion after last week’s U.S. Supreme Court decision approving same sex marriage.

Lansing attorney and long-time Michigan political insider Richard McLellan chairs the Michigan Law Revision Commission. He talks with Current State about finding all of these references and recommending a way forward.

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Scott Pohl is a general assignment news reporter and produces news features and interviews. He is also an alternate local host on NPR's "Morning Edition."