RALLY ‘ROUND THE FLAG

Several local lawmakers flew to Washington D.C. for the historic bill signing on December 13, when President Joe Biden signed into law the Respect for Marriage Act, putting all Americans on equal footing for marriage. The bipartisan-approved bill requires all states and territories to recognize the validity of same sex and interracial marriages in the U.S., and protects religious liberty. Among those included to witness the bill signing was Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly), whose late mother was gay. Also personally affected was Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter (D), and state Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield, Bloomfield Township, Franklin, Beverly Hills), both gay men who once never thought this would be something they would witness. Coulter stated, “I was truly honored to witness the Respect for Marriage bill signed by President Biden at the White House today. It’s an important step towards full acceptance and equal rights for all couples to choose who they want to love and marry.” Moss said, “What an honor to witness President Biden sign the Respect for Marriage Act at the White House today… Love is love and our state Constitution must reflect that.” Also attending were outgoing state Rep. Mari Manoogian (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township) and state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), among others.