Right and wrong

If News Hits were to give out a “righteous dude” award, this week’s trophy would go to Ferndale Mayor Charles Goedert. Chuck deserves a big bravo for first officiating at a gay commitment ceremony earlier this summer, then for saying that he would do it again despite an unrighteous right-wing group’s attempt to have him criminally prosecuted for his act.

Gary Glenn, president of the American Family Association of Michigan, alleges that Goedert violated Michigan law by presiding over the ceremony. Glenn sent a written complaint to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard and Prosecutor David Gorcyca asking that they investigate — and fine the mayor $500 if he was found guilty.

Glenn says that Goedert is using his office to “legalize homosexual marriage.”

But Goedert says that Glenn’s group, which earlier this year helped defeat a city human rights ordinance that would have prohibited discrimination against gays and other groups, “is engaging in extremist tactics to draw attention to themselves.”

Ann Mullen contributed to News Hits, which is edited by Curt Guyette. He can be reached at 313-202-8004 or [email protected]