Michigan State Rep. Josh Schriver (R) introduced a resolution yesterday urging the Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. In a short speech filled with Christian nationalist rhetoric, Schriver claimed that marriage equality has “defaced the definition of marriage, undermined our God-given rights, increased persecution of Christians, and confused the American family structure.”
Schriver doubled down, declaring, “If we cannot conserve the bedrock of our civilization—the family—then we can’t call ourselves conservatives anymore… Now is the time to reassert the sovereignty of Christ as our king.” He ended his speech with “Amen,” then quickly left without taking questions.
Let’s be clear: Not everyone in Michigan is Christian, and our laws must serve all Americans, not just those who share Schriver’s religious beliefs. Marriage equality has not “persecuted” Christians—what it has done is affirm the rights of LGBTQ+ Americans to marry who they love, free from government-imposed religious doctrine.
