Family law: marriage and divorce; certain references in the revised statutes of 1846 of marriage and the solemnization thereof; make gender neutral. Amends secs. 2, 3 & 9 of 1846 RS 83 (MCL 551.2 et seq.) & repeals secs. 1 & 4 of 1846 RS 83 (MCL 551.1 & 551.4). TIE BAR WITH: HJR F'23, HB 4790'23
Impact
If passed, HB4775 would have several implications for state laws governing marriage. It would clarify that marriage is recognized as a civil contract between consenting parties, regardless of gender, helping to ensure equal treatment under the law. Additionally, the bill seeks to reinforce that while consent is crucial, it must be accompanied by a legal license and proper solemnization as required by existing statutes. This shift is intended to dismantle outdated legal language that may hinder equitable access to marriage for all individuals.
Summary
House Bill 4775 aims to amend the Revised Statutes of 1846 concerning marriage and the solemnization thereof by making the language gender-neutral. The bill seeks to replace references of specific genders with inclusive terms, thereby modernizing the legal framework surrounding marriage in Michigan. This change reflects a broader societal move towards recognizing and accommodating diverse family structures and relationships. The bill specifically proposes amendments to sections 2, 3, and 9 of the existing statute, which outlines the validity of marriage and the necessary requirements for solemnization.
Contention
Despite its progressive aim, the bill may face contention from groups that have differing views on the definition of marriage and family structures. Some proponents of traditional definitions of marriage may argue against the gender-neutral language, asserting that it undermines longstanding legal definitions. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that its enactment is contingent upon the passage of Senate Joint Resolution and House Bill 4790, potentially complicating its acceptance and rollout. The ties to other legislative measures could spark debate over the extent to which marriage laws should evolve to reflect contemporary social values.
Same As
Civil rights: sexual orientation discrimination; certain references to marriage; make gender neutral. Amends sec. 1, art. X & repeals sec. 25, art. I of the state constitution.
MI HB4790
Same As
Family law: marriage and divorce; certain references in the foreign marriage act; make gender neutral. Amends sec. 1 of 1939 PA 168 (MCL 551.271) & repeals sec. 2 of 1939 PA 168 (MCL 551.272). TIE BAR WITH: HJR F'23
Family law: marriage and divorce; certain references in the revised statutes of 1846 of marriage and the solemnization thereof; make gender neutral. Amends secs. 2, 3 & 9 of 1846 RS 83 (MCL 551.2 et seq.) & repeals secs. 1 & 4 of 1846 RS 83 (MCL 551.1 & 551.4). TIE BAR WITH: HJR F'25
Family law: marriage and divorce; certain references in Chapter 84 of divorce; make gender neutral. Amends secs. 9f, 23, 27, 34, 36 & 37 of 1846 RS 84 (MCL 552.9f et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HJR F'23
Family law: marriage and divorce; certain references in Chapter 84 of divorce; make gender neutral. Amends secs. 9f, 23, 27, 36 & 37 of 1846 RS 84 (MCL 552.9f et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HJR F'25