Michigan AG's Warning to Conservative Justices

At the Democratic National Convention, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel delivered a powerful message regarding marriage equality, asserting that any attempt to deny her right to marry would require prying her wedding band from her "cold, dead, gay hand." Nessel, who is openly lesbian, highlighted the significance of Vice President Kamala Harris's refusal to defend California's same-sex marriage ban during her tenure as attorney general, emphasizing the importance of fighting for families like hers. Nessel, the first openly gay attorney general in Michigan, played a pivotal role in overturning the state's ban on same-sex marriage. She drew parallels between the fight for marriage equality and the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that revoked constitutional protections for abortion. Nessel noted that after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Michigan's outdated abortion ban was reinstated, but she found support in Vice President Harris, who reminded her of the importance of defending people's rights. The current Supreme Court, with a conservative majority appointed by former President Donald Trump, poses a potential threat to both same-sex marriage and reproductive rights. Justice Clarence Thomas has suggested revisiting the same-sex marriage ruling, raising concerns about possible restrictions on gay marriage, same-sex sexual activity, and access to birth control. Sarah Kate Ellis, president of the LGBTQ advocacy group GLAAD, described Thomas's opinion as a "blaring red alert" for the LGBTQ community. Nessel concluded her remarks by underscoring the connection between judicial decisions and political leadership, referencing the ongoing legal challenges faced by Trump and the implications for rights and freedoms in America.