Bill > HB4604

This bill amends Michigan's existing marriage recognition law to make the language gender-neutral and remove previous restrictions on same-sex marriages. Specifically, the bill replaces gendered language like "a man and a woman" with the neutral term "2 parties" and removes a previous section that explicitly invalidated same-sex marriages. The bill also updates terminology, such as changing "clergyman" to "clergy person", to be more inclusive. The amendment ensures that marriages legally solemnized in another state will be recognized in Michigan, regardless of the gender of the parties involved, provided they were legally competent to marry according to state laws. Importantly, the bill is tied to a constitutional amendment (via Senate or House Joint Resolution), meaning it will only take effect if that corresponding constitutional change is approved. This legislative change reflects broader shifts in marriage equality, removing previous statutory barriers to same-sex marriage recognition in Michigan.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4604