Michigan Senate Democrats on Wednesday
introduced two bills related to gay marriage, including one which
seeks to repeal the state's ban on such unions.
One bill would allow the state to
recognize the out-of-state legal marriages of gay and lesbian
couples. Currently, gay couples can marry in 12 U.S. states and 14
nations, including Canada, Michigan's northern neighbor.
Another measure seeks to amend the
Michigan Constitution to remove a 2004 voter-approved amendment which
defines marriage as a heterosexual union.
Both measures, however, face an uphill
climb in the Republican-led House and Senate.
The bills are sponsored by Minority
Leader Gretchen Whitmer and Democratic Senators Rebekah Warren, Bert
Johnson and Virgil Smith.
A poll released earlier this month and
another published in November show a majority of Michigan voters
support legalizing gay nuptials.
The
latest poll shows 57 percent in favor and 37 percent opposed.
Earlier this month, lawmakers
in Nevada gave an initial nod to a similar proposal. Grassroots
efforts in Oregon and Ohio aim to put the question before voters.
(Related: Oregon
gay marriage push begins.)