Published:
MSU College of Law Professor's Mae Kuykendall and Adam Candeub launch the E-Marriage Project Which Could Start a Digital "I Do" Revolution
EAST LANSING, Mich. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - For centuries, states have authorized marriages performed outside of
their borders. During the World Wars, soldiers abroad and their
stateside (sometimes pregnant) sweethearts were married in ceremonies
where court officials acted as proxies (typically for the groom) in
ceremonies sometimes conducted via telephone. Several states, like
Montana and California, offer proxy marriages to this day, albeit only
to those serving in the military.
Building upon the established practice of proxy marriage, The Legal
E-marriage Project would assist states already performing same-sex
marriages with enacting laws to allow couples to marry by proxy via the
Internet, and also serve as a clearinghouse for legislative proposals to
institute same-sex marriage by proxy over the Internet.
Under The Legal E-marriage Project, states that allow same-sex marriage
could open their laws to all Americans, so that same sex couples could
marry from anywhere under the laws of states such as Vermont and New
Hampshire, that authorize their unions.
"E-marriage" need not rely upon proxies or letters, but would use
Internet communications to create a traditional ceremony before friends
and family, perhaps with an officiant on-line from Vermont or other
jurisdiction. Couples could have a marriage ceremony in the location
they choose, but would file necessary papers with a distant state
jurisdiction.
We believe that E-marriage could radically change the landscape of
same-sex marriage and help committed couples retain their spousal
rights. Furthermore, E-marriage could benefit heterosexual couples that
wish to marry but are physically separated, as often happens when
serving in the military. E-marriage would help them gain legal
recognition of their bond, secure possible death benefits, or avoid
their children's bastardy-essential legal rights, especially during
wartime.
Not every state will recognize every type of E-marriage: A Vermont
E-marriage of individuals residing in Michigan does not create a
marriage that Michigan will recognize. However, E-marriage would create
a genuine legal bond. Same-sex couples could use E-marriage to be
legally married in their community and place of worship before family
and friends.
Details of the Legal E-marriage Project can be found at www.law.msu.edu/E-marriage.
RK Public Relations
Rick Kamel, 616-805-4197,
rkamel@comcast.net
for interview availability.
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