It's an awkward time for gay and lesbian couples in Michigan. If they are among the 323 such couples who married in their home state during a brief window of time, the marriage licenses are recognized by the federal government and (probably) certain other states. But the one state that definitely doesn't recognize them is the very state that issued them.
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder confirmed last week that the licenses were properly issued and are still valid. But, he added, the state must still treat the couples as though they're legal strangers until the appeals process runs its course.
So where does that leave marriage equality in Michigan? In a strange sort of limbo that's not dissimilar to what's happening in Utah. A court has overturned the ban on marriage equality. With any luck, that ruling will be upheld. But in the meantime, gay and lesbian couples are left vulnerable, without any of the state protections that straight couples enjoy.
The appeals process will play out over this summer and could potentially reach the U.S. Supreme Court in its next session. Numerous other states are on a similar time frame, which means that Michigan is now on the list of states that could bring marriage equality to the entire country.
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