Michigan

The following is an overview of the laws of the state of Michigan. It should not be used as legal advice and is provided as information only. Family Fairness does not warrant that this information is current or comprehensive.
Updated: 04/21/2009

Same-Sex Relationships

Performs Same-Sex Marriages
2004 Constitutional amendment: "To secure and preserve the benefits of marriage for our society and for future generations of children, the union of one man and one woman in marriage shall be the only agreement recognized as a marriage or similar union for any purpose."
No
Recognizes Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriage No
Other Recognition: None No

 

Gay and Lesbian Adoption

Single LGBT Adoption
State law permits any single person to adopt. Mich. Probate Code ยง710.24.
Yes
Joint Same-Sex Adoption
While there has been some favorable case law, most rulings provide that only married couples may jointly adopt. In re Adams, 473 N.W.2d 712 (Mich. Ct. App. 1991). Additionally, the state attorney general has indicated that gay and lesbian individuals may adopt singly, but not jointly. 2004 Mich. Op. Att'y Gen. 7160.
No
Gay or lesbian adoption of a partner's child
No explicit prohibition, but the Washtenaw County chief judge ordered the prohibition of same-sex second parent adoption in 2002. No petitions to adopt have since been filed.
No

 

Housing Discrimination

Protections on the basis of sexual orientation
No explicit protections. Sexual orientation expressly not included in Michigan's Civil Rights Act. Barbour v. Michigan Dept. of Soc. Servs., 497 N.W.2d 216 (Mich. Ct. App. 1993)
No
Protections on the basis of gender identity
No explicit protections.
No

 

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