Gay marriage supporters launch education campaign

Lansing, Mich. (AP) — Gay marriage supporters are launching a statewide campaign to raise awareness of marriage equality.

The educational effort will use television and online advertisements as well as social media to try to increase support for gay marriage in the state.

Michigan's 2004 voter-approved ban on gay marriage was declared unconstitutional in March by a Detroit federal judge. The case will be heard in a federal appeals court, probably later this year.

Equality Michigan Executive Director Emily Dievendorf says "there is a great chance" the court will rule in favor of gay marriage. She says the campaign would initiate a signature drive for a 2016 Michigan ballot measure overturning the ban if the court rules to uphold it.

Advocacy groups leading the campaign also include ACLU of Michigan and Freedom to Marry.

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The Gayly – May 8, 2014@ 11:45pm