It's time, Michigan

Yes! In a big article centered on the front of the News+Views section (as in only page 1A is more prominent), Brian Dickerson, editorial columnist for the Free Press, wrote that same-sex marriage should be a no-brainer for Michigan. His reasons:

* In the nine years since the marriage protection amendment was passed, the approve-disapprove percentages have flipped. He quoted the recent Glengariff Group poll that says voters back gay marriage by a 57%-38% margin. This poll is consistent with other recent polls.

* The state's "constitutional ban is repelling the professionals and college-educated residents [Gov.] Snyder seeks to attract."

* A "54% majority of GOP voters younger than 40 support it."

Sigh. He doesn't list love as one of his reasons. Even so…

Yeah, the legislature is trying to do as much anti-gay mischief as possible and Dickerson notes a "ballot initiative [in 2014] could pose a political challenge for Snyder and other Republican candidates walking the tightrope between growing majority of Michiganders who support same-sex marriage and the dwindling-but-still-significant number of GOP voters who continue to oppose it." And if it is on the ballot sidestepping the issue will be difficult for GOP candidates.

There are three possible routes to gay marriage in Michigan. The first is a ruling by the US Supremes in June, possible but not likely. The second is a case, currently on hold, that may declare the marriage protection amendment to be unconstitutional. And the third is getting it on the ballot in 2014.

"The question is whether Snyder and his fellow Republicans will elect to participate in that historic sea change -- or stand agape as it washes over them."