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Coverage from across Michigan and the state Capitol with the Michigan Public Radio Network and Interlochen Public Radio.

Lawmakers take up adoption bill, critics call it discriminatory

Northern Michigan Republicans retain their seats after some significant challenges. PHOTO: Paul Martinez (Flickr)
Paul Maritinez
Northern Michigan Republicans retain their seats after some significant challenges. PHOTO: Paul Martinez (Flickr)

Many adoptions in Michigan are handled by private agencies – and many of those agencies are religiously affiliated, such as Catholic Charities. State lawmakers are considering a bill that would give these agencies the right to deny service to couples based on its own religious beliefs.

Supporters say the bill would protect these agencies' first amendment rights. But critics say the bill would lead to discrimination against same-sex couples.

Rick Pluta, the capitol bureau chief for the Michigan Public Radio Network, explains the legislation – and how a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of same-sex marriage could change things.