Michigan might soon strike down "zombie" laws criminalizing sodomy and adultery that have haunted the state's books for far too long. A Michigan House panel has pushed forward legislation to topple the state's sodomy law, deemed redundant since a 2003 U.S. Supreme Court decision made such bans unconstitutional. Representative Noah Arbit, D-West Bloomfield, emphasizes the urgency, citing that if federal law suddenly shifts, these dormant laws could be swiftly reanimated to target Michigan's citizens.
As reported by The Detroit News, this legislative move comes amidst concerns that the Lawrence v. Texas case could be overturned, akin to the recent demise of Roe v. Wade, which would effectively re-legitimize the state's sodomy ban. The laws in question pertain to "abominable and detestable crime against nature either with mankind or with any animal" and come strapped with severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison or life for repeat offenders. Arbit's proposed bill looks to specifically drop the outdated definitions while leaving intact the necessary ban on bestiality.
The bills to eradicate these archaic laws reached a new level of legislative urgency following comments by a Michigan state representative expressing a desire to reverse gay marriage legality. As Bridge Michigan detailed, Rep. Josh Schriver, R-Oxford, called for making "gay marriage illegal again," branding the Supreme Court ruling authorizing it as "perverted." Arbit and his peers are sharply aware that such sentiments elevate the risk of dormant legislations becoming active threats.
Meanwhile, Republicans have voiced differing reactions, with some challenging the priority of the legislation during current pressing times and others abstaining from voting due to lack of preparedness. "I just don’t believe the majority of Michigan citizens feel this legislation is a priority right now," Republican state Rep. Brian Begole stated, pointing to greater issues at hand needing immediate attention, as reported by The Detroit News. In contrast, State Rep. Graham Filler passed the vote, expressing his intention to "look forward to learning more about it."
