Bernard Friedman
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This July 22, 2008, photo shows Judge Bernard Friedman in his office during an interview with the Detroit Free Press at the U.S. courthouse in Detroit. In March 2014 Friedman struck down the gay-marriage ban approved by Michigan voters in 2004. (AP Photo/Detroit Free Press, Susan Tusa)
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FILE - In this March 22, 2014 file photo Elizabeth Gardiner, left, and Stephanie Citron kiss after being married in a hallway at the Oakland County Clerk in Pontiac, Mich. Judge Bernard Friedman struck down the gay-marriage ban approved by Michigan voters in 2004. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)
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Protestors picket outside Federal Court in Detroit Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014. Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, before a trial that could overturn Michigan's ban on gay marriage. Gay couples poised for a favorable ruling last fall had lined up for licenses at county offices across Michigan, only to be stunned when U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman said he wanted to hear testimony from experts. The case began in 2012 when nurses Jayne Rowse, 49, and April DeBoer, 42, of Hazel Park sued to try to upset a Michigan law that bars them from adopting each other's children. But the case became even more significant when Friedman invited them to add the same-sex marriage ban to their lawsuit. They argue that Michigan's constitutional amendment, approved by voters in 2004, violates the U.S. Constitution's Equal Protection Clause, which forbids states from treating people differently under the law. (AP Photo/Detroit Free Press, Mandi Wright) DETROIT NEWS OUT; NO SALES
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Protestors picket outside Federal Court in Detroit Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014. Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, before a trial that could overturn Michigan's ban on gay marriage. Gay couples poised for a favorable ruling last fall had lined up for licenses at county offices across Michigan, only to be stunned when U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman said he wanted to hear testimony from experts. The case began in 2012 when nurses Jayne Rowse, 49, and April DeBoer, 42, of Hazel Park sued to try to upset a Michigan law that bars them from adopting each other's children. But the case became even more significant when Friedman invited them to add the same-sex marriage ban to their lawsuit. They argue that Michigan's constitutional amendment, approved by voters in 2004, violates the U.S. Constitution's Equal Protection Clause, which forbids states from treating people differently under the law. (AP Photo/Detroit Free Press, Mandi Wright) DETROIT NEWS OUT; NO SALES
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April DeBoer speaks to media outside Federal Court in Detroit, as her partner, Jayne Rowse, left, listens, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, before a trial that could overturn Michigan's ban on gay marriage. Gay couples poised for a favorable ruling last fall had lined up for licenses at county offices across Michigan, only to be stunned when U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman said he wanted to hear testimony from experts. The case began in 2012 when nurses Rowse, 49, and DeBoer, 42, of Hazel Park sued to try to upset a Michigan law that bars them from adopting each other's children. But the case became even more significant when Friedman invited them to add the same-sex marriage ban to their lawsuit. They argue that Michigan's constitutional amendment, approved by voters in 2004, violates the U.S. Constitution's Equal Protection Clause, which forbids states from treating people differently under the law. (AP Photo/Detroit Free Press, Mandi Wright) DETROIT NEWS OUT; NO SALES
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April DeBoer, left, and her partner Jayne Rowse with attorney Dana Nessel speak outside Federal Court in Detroit, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014 before a trial that could overturn Michigan's ban on gay marriage. Gay couples poised for a favorable ruling last fall had lined up for licenses at county offices across Michigan, only to be stunned when U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman said he wanted to hear testimony from experts. The case began in 2012 when nurses Rowse, 49, and DeBoer, 42, of Hazel Park sued to try to upset a Michigan law that bars them from adopting each other's children. But the case became even more significant when Friedman invited them to add the same-sex marriage ban to their lawsuit. They argue that Michigan's constitutional amendment, approved by voters in 2004, violates the U.S. Constitution's Equal Protection Clause, which forbids states from treating people differently under the law. (AP Photo/Detroit Free Press, Mandi Wright) DETROIT NEWS OUT; NO SALES
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From left, April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse with DeBoer's attorney Dana Nessel enter Federal Court in Detroit, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014 before a trial that could overturn Michigan's ban on gay marriage. Gay couples poised for a favorable ruling last fall had lined up for licenses at county offices across Michigan, only to be stunned when U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman said he wanted to hear testimony from experts. The case began in 2012 when nurses Rowse, 49, and DeBoer, 42, of Hazel Park sued to try to upset a Michigan law that bars them from adopting each other's children. But the case became even more significant when Friedman invited them to add the same-sex marriage ban to their lawsuit. They argue that Michigan's constitutional amendment, approved by voters in 2004, violates the U.S. Constitution's Equal Protection Clause, which forbids states from treating people differently under the law. (AP Photo/Detroit News, Daniel Mears) DETROIT FREE PRESS OUT; HUFFINGTON POST OUT
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From left, April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse with DeBoer's attorney Dana Nessel enter Federal Court in Detroit, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014 before a trial that could overturn Michigan's ban on gay marriage. Gay couples poised for a favorable ruling last fall had lined up for licenses at county offices across Michigan, only to be stunned when U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman said he wanted to hear testimony from experts. The case began in 2012 when nurses Rowse, 49, and DeBoer, 42, of Hazel Park sued to try to upset a Michigan law that bars them from adopting each other's children. But the case became even more significant when Friedman invited them to add the same-sex marriage ban to their lawsuit. They argue that Michigan's constitutional amendment, approved by voters in 2004, violates the U.S. Constitution's Equal Protection Clause, which forbids states from treating people differently under the law. (AP Photo/Detroit News, Daniel Mears) DETROIT FREE PRESS OUT; HUFFINGTON POST OUT
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A group opposing same sex marriage demonstrates in front of Federal Court in Detroit, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014 before a trial that could overturn Michigan's ban on gay marriage. Gay couples poised for a favorable ruling last fall had lined up for licenses at county offices across Michigan, only to be stunned when U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman said he wanted to hear testimony from experts. The case began in 2012 when nurses Jayne Rowse, 49, and April DeBoer, 42, of Hazel Park sued to try to upset a Michigan law that bars them from adopting each other's children. But the case became even more significant when Friedman invited them to add the same-sex marriage ban to their lawsuit. They argue that Michigan's constitutional amendment, approved by voters in 2004, violates the U.S. Constitution's Equal Protection Clause, which forbids states from treating people differently under the law. (AP Photo/Detroit News, Daniel Mears) DETROIT FREE PRESS OUT; HUFFINGTON POST OUT
