Michigan state Rep. Josh Schriver, who bills himself as “Michigan’s most conservative state representative” and a “White rapper,” has sparked controversy with his call to reinstate a ban on same-sex marriage. Schriver, who is known for his far-right views and controversial statements, made the declaration on Monday, stating his desire to “Make gay marriage illegal again.”
Despite the fact that same-sex marriage has been legal nationwide in the U.S. since 2015, Schriver insists that reversing the Supreme Court’s landmark decision is not “remotely controversial, nor extreme.” He also argued that the legalization of gay marriage was forced on the country by a “perverted” Supreme Court ruling, citing the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision that granted same-sex couples the right to marry. At the time of the ruling, the majority of Americans already supported marriage equality.
Schriver, who calls himself a “Christian rapper” and claims to be driven by divine calling to serve in office. He also compared current Republican views on marriage to those of former President Barack Obama, who once opposed gay marriage before changing his stance. Schriver says that Obama’s position was more conservative than many Republicans today. He went on to say that America’s future doesn’t need to be as “dysfunctional” as it is now, referring to the ongoing debate over LGBTQ rights.
In addition to his stance on same-sex marriage, Schriver has advocated for policies that would severely limit transgender rights, including banning transgender medical care for all individuals. His rhetoric has alarmed many in Michigan, including Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel, who responded to Schriver’s comments by questioning how his proposed actions would benefit Michiganders. Nessel pointed out that Schriver’s push to undo marriage equality and harm LGBTQ families is motivated by hate, not by a desire to help constituents.
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Schriver’s remarks are part of a broader pattern of far-right positions that have drawn national attention. He has been criticized for promoting racist conspiracy theories, including claims of an “anti-White agenda” and a plot to “replace” White Americans through illegal immigration. Schriver has also defended his past comments, which have included denying accusations of racism and asserting that he is simply a “Christian, not a racist.”
The lawmaker has also been noted for his controversial voting record. He has voted against banning child marriage, prohibiting sexual contact under the pretext of medical treatment, and making race-based discrimination based on hair texture illegal. He even opposed designating Juneteenth as a state holiday.
Schriver’s comments and legislative proposals are likely to keep Michigan at the center of national debates about LGBTQ rights and the growing influence of extreme politics in state governments.
