In an event guaranteed to convince the Christian right that Sodom has risen from the ashes, the Ann Arbor-based Washtenaw Rainbow Action Project (WRAP) will again host a mass Commitment Ceremony for same sex couples on the steps of the Capitol building Saturday afternoon. The event culminates the Michigan Pride LGBT March, Rally & Festival being held June 13-14 in Lansing.
The ceremony, in part, is intended to focus attention on the fact that same sex marriages are not legally recognized in Michigan or — with the exception of Vermont — any other state.
Mary Detloff, a spokesperson for Gov. Jennifer Granholm, says that while some of her boss’ staff will attend the ceremony taking place beneath the governor’s balcony, Granholm would not be there. Detloff says that while Gov. Granholm believes in traditional marriages she does support the right to a legally binding civil union between same sex partners. She doubts, however, that such legislation has a chance in the current Republican-dominated Legislature.
Christopher Posler, business manager for WRAP, says he considers Granholm’s absence a slight, but adds that in showing up at a Triangle Foundation event last month she’s already done more to openly support gay causes than predecessor John Engler ever did.
Other events at the 15th annual Michigan Pride Festival include an AIDS memorial and free testing, workshops and live music. Couples wishing to participate in the commitment ceremony can register online at www.michiganpride.org or at the rally.
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