Gay rights groups on Friday cheered the
Obama administration's decision to recognize the more than 300
marriage licenses Michigan issued to gay and lesbian couples during
the 24-hour window when such unions were legal in the state. The
announcement comes a day after Michigan officials said they would not
recognize the marriage licenses issued by the state.
(Related: Obama
admin says Michigan gay marriages will be recognized.)
Chad Griffin, president of the Human
Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest LGBT rights advocate,
applauded Attorney General Eric Holder's announcement.
“Last week 300 committed and loving
same-sex couples were legally wed in Michigan. As such they deserve
the recognition and treatment that all other married couples receive.
Attorney General Eric Holder has once again demonstrated his
steadfast commitment to equality and upholding the core values of the
U.S. Constitution by affirming federal recognition of these
marriages,” Griffin said in a blog
post.
Also cheering was Evan Wolfson, founder
and president of Freedom to Marry.
“The 300 loving couples in Michigan
are as married as any couple on the planet. The Attorney General's
decision today respects the legality – and the dignity – of their
marriages. It's time for Michigan and other discriminating states to
do right by all families, and get themselves on the right side of
history,” Wolfson said in an emailed statement.