HB 4616 Michigan House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Family law: marriage and divorce; certain references in the revised statutes of 1846 of marriage and the solemnization thereof; make gender neutral. Amends secs. 2, 3 & 9 of 1846 RS 83 (MCL 551.2 et seq.) & repeals secs. 1 & 4 of 1846 RS 83 (MCL 551.1 & 551.4). TIE BAR WITH: HJR F'25

HB 4616 updates Michigan's marriage laws to remove gender-specific language. It amends sections 2, 3, and 9 of the 1846 Revised Statutes (MCL 551.2, 551.3, and 551.9) to replace terms like "man and woman" with gender-neutral language, affecting all couples entering marriage in Michigan. The bill removes gender references from the definition of marriage, prohibited relationships, and the solemnization requirements. It repeals outdated sections (MCL 551.1 and 551.4) that contained gendered language. The change applies to all marriage contracts and ceremonies under current law.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jun 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jun 10, 2025 Last action Jun 11, 2025