Michigan Compiled Laws
Mich. Comp. Laws § 551.1 (2026)
Marriage between individuals of same sex as invalid contract.
✓ current as of July 2026
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Revised Statutes of 1846
R.S. of 1846
551.1 Marriage between individuals of same sex as invalid contract.
Sec. 1.
Marriage is inherently a unique relationship between a man and a woman. As a matter of public policy, this state has a special interest in encouraging, supporting, and protecting that unique relationship in order to promote, among other goals, the stability and welfare of society and its children. A marriage contracted between individuals of the same sex is invalid in this state.
History: Add. 1996, Act 324, Imd. Eff. June 26, 1996
Compiler's Notes:
Former MCL 551.1, which pertained to allowable age for contracting marriage, was repealed by Act 37 of 1951 , Eff. Sept. 28, 1951.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 18
cases (1 in the last 5 years), 1963–2023 · leading case: Rohde v. Ann Arbor Pub. Schs., 737 N.W.2d 158 (Mich. 2007).
Rohde v. Ann Arbor Pub. Schs., 737 N.W.2d 158 (Mich. 2007). “Their complaint alleged that the expenditure of public funds for that purpose violates MCL 551.1, which defines marriage to exclude same-sex unions.”
Nat'l Pride at Work, Inc v. Governor, 748 N.W.2d 524 (Mich. 2008). “MCL 551.1 ("Marriage is inherently a unique relationship between a man and a woman.”
Ryan v. Ryan, 677 N.W.2d 899 (Mich. Ct. App. 2004). “" MCL 551.1. It follows that a court only has jurisdiction over the dissolution of a marriage between a man and a woman.”
Nat'l Pride at Work, Inc v. Governor, 732 N.W.2d 139 (Mich. Ct. App. 2007). “See MCL 551.1 et seq. 8 For recognition, the key components of the statutory definition are consent, MCL 551.”
Deboer v. Snyder, 973 F. Supp. 2d 757 (E.D. Mich. 2014). “Applicants must (1) be of the opposite sex; (2) consent to be married; (3) not be directly related to one another; (4) not already be married to another person; (5) be at least 18 years old (or at least 16 years old with the consent of a parent or guardian); and (6) pay $20 for…”
Caspar v. Snyder, 77 F. Supp. 3d 616 (E.D. Mich. 2015). “”); Mich. Comp. Laws § 551.1 ("Marriage is inherently a unique relationship between a man and a woman.”
Windsor v. United States, 699 F.3d 169 (2d Cir. 2012). “1, § 25; Mich. Comp. Laws § 551.1 ; Minn.Stat. § 517.”
People v. Redden, 290 Mich. App. 65 (Mich. Ct. App. 2010). “See MCL 551.1 (restricting marriage to couples of opposite gender); MCL 551.”
In re Burnett Est., 834 N.W.2d 93 (Mich. Ct. App. 2013). “* 2 This case involves both the definition of marriage established by the people through a direct vote as set forth in our state constitution (Const 1963, art 1, § 25), as well as by the people’s representatives as contained in statute (MCL 551.1). These laws (and others)…”
Cnty. Road Ass'n of Michigan v. Governor, 782 N.W.2d 784 (Mich. Ct. App. 2010). “and preservation of the traditional family,’ ” challenged Michigan State University’s (MSU’s) policy of providing benefits to same-sex partners, “alleging that this policy constitutes an illegal expenditure of state funds to define and recognize same-sex domestic partnerships in…”
Bourke v. Beshear, 996 F. Supp. 2d 542 (W.D. Ky. 2014). “89, 3520 (2013); Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. §§ 551.1 , .271(2) (West 2013); Miss.”
Mabry v. Mabry, 882 N.W.2d 539 (Mich. 2016). “See MCL 551.1. Nor did Michigan recognize a legal marriage between a same-sex couple solemnized in another jurisdiction.”
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