Schuette Requests Expedited Gay Marriage Appeal

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette wants a quick decision on his appeal of the ruling striking down Michigan’s Constitutional Amendment prohibiting gay marriage. Schuette has asked the U-S Sixth Circuit Court to bypass the initial three-judge panel hearing… and proceed directly to a  hearing in front of all 15 judges. It’s called an “en banc” hearing. The request can be granted by the court in cases in which conflicting rulings have been issued… or for questions of “exceptional importance.” The court granted a similar request a dozen years ago in the case involving preferential admission to the University of Michigan Law School. Schuette says proceeding to an “en banc” hearing now would save the state money by streamlining the process… and hasten either side’s potential appeal to the U-S Supreme Court.