Almost half the states now

Michigan's ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional, a federal judge declared Friday, striking down a law that was widely embraced by voters a decade ago in the latest in a series of similar decisions across the country. 

But unlike cases in other states, U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman did not suspend his decision while the Michigan attorney general pursues an appeal. At least three counties - Washtenaw, Oakland and Muskegon - said they would start issuing licenses Saturday unless a higher court intervenes.