DETROIT (AP) — U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has
extended federal recognition to the Michigan marriages of about 300
same-sex couples that took place before a federal appeals court put
those unions on hold.
Holder’s action on Friday enables the
government to extend eligibility for federal benefits to the couples. It
came two days after Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said Michigan won’t
recognize the marriages performed last weekend. U.S. District Judge
Bernard Friedman struck down the gay marriage ban the day before.
Snyder’s move closed the door to certain state benefits reserved solely for married couples.
Four
counties granted licenses before the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
ordered a temporary halt. The stay was extended indefinitely on Tuesday.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights
reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.
DETROIT (AP) — U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has
extended federal recognition to the Michigan marriages of about 300
same-sex couples that took place before a federal appeals court put
those unions on hold.
Holder’s action on Friday enables the
government to extend eligibility for federal benefits to the couples. It
came two days after Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said Michigan won’t
recognize the marriages performed last weekend. U.S. District Judge
Bernard Friedman struck down the gay marriage ban the day before.
Snyder’s move closed the door to certain state benefits reserved solely for married couples.
Four
counties granted licenses before the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
ordered a temporary halt. The stay was extended indefinitely on Tuesday.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights
reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.