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March 18, 2004 - Volume 2, Issue 11 |
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March 18, 2004 - Volume 2, Issue 11 |
Attorney
General Says "Let the People Vote"
Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox issued an opinion piece this week calling on the legislature to allow the citizens of Michigan to vote on the future of traditional marriage. "The Legislature must allow the people the opportunity to decide this fundamental issue," said Cox. "Changing the institution of marriage, after thousands of years of clear and settled meaning, is too important to be left to one judge."
Mr. Cox also pointed out that Michigan does not recognize "gay marriage" and has instructed local politicians to refrain from issuing marriage licenses to homosexual couples.
In the wake of the unsuccessful vote in the House last week to bring the marriage amendment to the ballot, a coalition of pro-family groups, including Michigan Family Forum, is considering a possible petition drive initiative. Contact Michigan Family Forum if you are interested in helping with the drive.
To read the Attorney General’s comments,
click here.
Federal
Although a state constitutional amendment defining marriage is important, the federal marriage amendment is also in need of your support. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-Colorado) has introduced the amendment in the House. So far, more than 115 legislators have signed on as co-sponsors. Of that number, only two are from Michigan.
A recent New York Times poll indicates that support for a federal amendment is growing. Michigan’s congressional delegation needs to hear from their constituents on this very important issue.
Click here and ask them to support House Resolution 56, the "Federal Marriage Amendment."To read a recent opinion piece by Family Research Council President Tony Perkins,
click here.
U.S. Senate to Vote on President’s Marriage Initiative
The U.S. Senate is expected to vote soon on whether to reauthorize the Welfare Reform Act of 1996. The current bill would include funds for President Bush’s Healthy Marriage Initiative and increase federal funding for local abstinence programs.
Executive Director Brad Snavely learned that a vote is expected soon in the Senate during a meeting this week of family policy council directors in Washington.
The President’s initiative is designed to promote marriage as a healthy option for families to avoid welfare dependency. Your senator needs to hear from you about this issue. Click here for contact information.
"2004
Abstinence Summit" Set for June
Michigan Family Forum is pleased to announce our upcoming "2004
Abstinence Summit" featuring Miss America 2003, Erika Harold. Erika is a
nationally renowned speaker on the importance of abstinence for teens.
The event will take place on the campus of Michigan State University, June
16-18. The event is targeted for high school students who want to take a strong
stand for abstinence in their community.
A registration brochure will be available soon. Questions may be addressed to Dan Jarvis,
dan@michiganfamily.org or (517) 374-1171.
Don’t
Forget to Register to Vote!
As the time for elections approaches, Michigan Family Forum would like to send a cordial reminder to be sure to register to vote, if you have not already done so. MFF advocates active citizen involvement in the election process. There is no shortage of issues of great importance to the family. Every vote counts! You must be registered no more than 30 days before an election.
Click here for information on how to register.
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Forum Online
© 2003 Michigan Family Forum
1003 N. Washington, P.O. Box 15216
Lansing, MI, 48901-5216
Phone: (517) 374-1171, Fax: (517) 374-6112
Executive Director: Brad Snavely
Editor: Jon Stanton
Graphic Design: Beth Hafer
Questions? E-mail us: info@michiganfamily.org
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