Michigan Republican state Rep. Josh Schriver, representing a district close to Detroit, is below hearth after posting on X (previously Twitter) Monday that the USA ought to “make homosexual marriage unlawful once more.”
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What did Josh Schriver say?
Dismissing the legitimacy of marriage equality, Schriver claimed his stance was “not remotely controversial, nor excessive.” He doubled down in a follow-up submit, labeling the 2015 Supreme Court docket resolution in Obergefell v. Hodges a “perverted Supreme Court docket ruling” and asserting, “America 2124 doesn’t need to be as dysfunctional as America 2024.”
Schriver didn’t reply to The Advocate’s request for remark.
Backlash from all sides
Schriver’s feedback drew outrage throughout the political spectrum. Brandon Wolf, the nationwide press secretary for the Human Rights Marketing campaign, famous the overwhelming public assist for marriage equality. “Greater than 2/3 of Individuals disagree. In case that quantity is hard to conceptualize — it’s a better margin than you have been first elected with,” Wolf quipped, referencing Gallup polling that reveals 69 % of Individuals assist same-sex marriage.
Criticism additionally got here from Schriver’s conservative allies. Far-right MAGA Republican David Leatherwood referred to as the remarks “a dumb f***ing factor to say.” One other conservative, self-described as “homosexual however no rainbows,” criticized Schriver’s priorities: “Bro, I voted for you. Eliminate revenue taxes and we will discuss; in any other case, that is unfair to consenting adults. Why is the federal government concerned in marriage in any respect?”
Past politics, people like pediatrician Michael O’Brien highlighted the private and ethical hypocrisy in Schriver’s views. “You took 7 days for high quality time with your loved ones, and your conclusion was ‘I ought to positively attempt to mess with different individuals’s households that don’t appear like mine.’ We should not have learn the identical scripture,” O’Brien wrote.
Are LGBTQ+ rights below risk?
Schriver’s remarks mirror a broader conservative motion concentrating on LGBTQ+ rights, significantly as Undertaking 2025 looms giant after President-elect Donald Trumphas put in supporters and authors of the intense agenda. Spearheaded by the ultraconservativeHeritage Basis, this sweeping agenda offers a roadmap for dismantling LGBTQ+ protections below a future conservative administration.
The 900-page playbook proposes barring transgender individuals from the navy, rolling again office protections for LGBTQ+ Individuals, and dismantling federal packages selling range and inclusion. Advocates concern it could additionally encourage the overturning of Obergefell v. Hodges.
The feedback come because the GOP prepares to retake management of Michigan’s state Home, sparking fears that Schriver and others could push for anti-LGBTQ+ laws on the state degree.
How sturdy is assist for same-sex marriage?
Regardless of conservative efforts to undermine LGBTQ+ rights, public assist for same-sex marriage stays strong. Gallup knowledge reveals that assist has risen dramatically from 27 % in 1996 to 69 % in 2024, with most Democrats (83 %) and independents (74 %) persistently backing marriage equality. Even amongst Republicans, almost half (46 %) assist same-sex marriage.