'No Freedom Till We're Equal. Simple As That for Me.'

Today is the day a U.S. district judge is expected to make a ruling about whether Michigan’s 2004 ban on same-sex marriage violates the U.S. Constitution. 

The judge, Bernard Friedman, may also decide whether the state’s ban on same-sex adoption violates the constitution, according to the Detroit Free Press.

If Friedman decides to lift the ban and doesn't choose to keep the law in effect while his decision is appealed, same-sex marriage would be legal in Michigan until a higher court overturned Friedman's decision.

In Hartland, Patch readers who responded on Monday to a Hartland Patch Facebook question gave mixed support for same-sex marriages.

• McKenzie Conkey wrote: "It's about time we realize it's not 1962."
• Silvia Martins McFarland wrote: "Live and let live. Allow everyone to opportunity to be happy."
• Sarah Allen wrote: "No freedom till we're equal. Simple as that for me.
• Linda Brown wrote: "It's hard enough for some people to be happy with the opposite sex. If they find love and everlasting companionship...let the, be happy."
• Cynthia Werstein wrote: "About time...."
• Bradley Schneider wrote: "Very sad we live in such time that this may be allowed to happen. Life is not about happiness at the expense of morality! Its not about 1962 whatever that means. Its about following Jesus Christ and his grace for us. 1 Corinthians 7:2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband."

If the ban is lifted, the Marriage Equality Center has prepared a set of resources to help couples tie the knot in the hours or days after the decision. According to the website, as soon as a ruling is made:

• Confirm if your clerk is issuing same-sex marriage licenses
• Double check the filing process and requirements
• If your county is issuing licenses - and you would like - go to a local clergy performing ceremonies

• Bay County
• Clare County
• Delta County
• Ingham County
• Isabella County
• Lapeer County
• Midland County
• Oakland County
• Ottawa County
• Tuscola County
• Washtenaw County

The case Friedman will hear on Wednesday involves April DeBoer, 42, and Jayne Rowse, 48, of Hazel Park, who want to jointly adopt each other's children, according to Michigan Radio.

Michigan law does not permit unmarried couples to do this, and the couple is asking the court to overturn a 2004 law that prohibits same-sex couples from marrying in the state.

Michigan State Attorney General Bill Schuette will argue to uphold the marriage ban before Friedman on Wednesday, according to the Free Press.