Wayne State University Law School is honored to be the site of a federal hearing this morning on the legality of Michigan’s ban on same-sex marriage and the right of unmarried couples to adopt children. The hearing is part of the Law School’s annual “Motion Day,” during which Judge Friedman will hear several motions beginning at 9 a.m. today in the Spencer Partrich Auditorium.

The issue of same-sex marriage is one of the most important civil rights matters facing the nation today, and Wayne State University offers qualified experts to discuss the issues and implications surrounding the debate.

Please contact Wayne State Public Relations at 313-577-2150 to arrange an interview.

John Corvino, professor and chair of the Department of Philosophy (available via email only)
Corvino can discuss ethics, applied ethics, gay/lesbian issues and professional ethics. He is the co-author (with Maggie Gallagher) of "Debating Same-Sex Marriage" (June 2012) and the author of "What’s Wrong with Homosexuality?" (January 2013). In the last 20 years, Corvino has spoken at more than 200 campuses on issues of sexuality, ethics and marriage.

Robert Sedler, distinguished professor of law
Sedler can discuss issues related to the American political system, constitutional law, discrimination, desegregation, First Amendment rights, free speech, same-sex marriage and religious freedom. Sedler is also acting as counsel for the plaintiff in this case. 

Mike Shpiece, law instructor
Shpiece can comment on issues related to employee benefits law, domestic partner benefits and insurance law. Shpiece currently serves of counsel to law firm Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook in its Detroit office.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering 370 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 29,000 students.