FILE This March 18, 2014 file photo shows Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder speaking to the media during the Governor's Economic Summit at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Mich. Snyder, who keeps mostly silent on social issues in favor of focusing on the economy, is stepping carefully on the issue of gay marriage after a judge's declaration that the state's ban is unconstitutional, Tuesday, March 25, 2014. (AP Photo/The Grand Rapids Press, Cory Morse, file) ALL LOCAL TV OUT; LOCAL TV INTERNET OUT
March 26, 2014 - 10:37 AM
LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder says Michigan won't recognize more than 300 same-sex marriages performed last weekend.
The marriages were performed Saturday before a federal appeals court suspended a decision that overturned the state's ban on gay marriage.
Snyder's announcement Wednesday closes the door to certain benefits granted to Michigan married couples. The move comes after a day after an appeals court indefinitely stopped any additional same-sex marriages.
Snyder says the marriages were legal at the time but the stay means the ban now is back in effect.
The court is reviewing a decision by Detroit federal Judge Bernard Friedman, who struck down a 2004 constitutional amendment that says marriage is between a man and a woman.
It will take months for the appeals court to affirm or reject Friedman's opinion.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014