Michigan: Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals denies state "en banc" hearing on marriage equality ruling

Last month, U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman declared Michigan's gay-marriage ban unconstitutional, which led to 300 same-sex couples across the state getting married within 24 hours of his ruling.

Within a matter of days, the federal appeals court put Friedman's decision on hold on March 22 following a request by the state.

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette petitioned for the appeal to be heard “en banc” — which means a full bench of judges — instead of the standard three-judge panel, but the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has denied that request.

Apparently, the court determined Monday evening that no judge “favored” the suggestion and denied the petition.

According to court documents, Schuette filed the petition April 4 and argued that the validity of the state constitutional marriage amendments is an issue of “exceptional importance” and one that should be resolved swiftly and before a full bench.

While Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder conceded that the marriages performed during that window of opportunity were legal, he has also stated the state will not recognize those unions while the case is on appeal.

(source)