Bills would repeal Michigan's ban on gay marriage

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Minority Democrats in the Michigan Senate are attempting to repeal the state's ban against gay marriage.

A measure introduced Wednesday would amend the Michigan Constitution to remove a 2004 prohibition on same-sex marriage. The measure needs two-thirds support in the Republican-led House and Senate to make the statewide ballot.

Another bill would recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages in Michigan.

Democratic Sen. Rebekah Warren of Ann Arbor says polling shows more Michiganians support gay marriage than just a year ago. She says married couples enjoy a host of legal protections, and removing Michigan's ban would ensure gay couples can be legal parents to their adoptive children.

Senators sponsoring the legislation are Warren, Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer of East Lansing, Bert Johnson of Highland Park and Virgil Smith of Detroit.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.