April 15, 2004 - Volume 2, Issue 14

"Citizens for the Protection of Marriage" Campaign Off to a Great Start

The petition drive that would bring a constitutional amendment defining marriage to Michigan voters for approval in November is moving forward at a rapid pace. Circulator training sessions were held across the state last week with more scheduled for April 19 at 3:00pm and 7:00pm. Click here to view the locations and schedule of the April 19 training sessions.

"We are pleased with the response we have seen with people requesting numerous petitions on a daily basis," said Executive Director Brad Snavely. "Gathering 450,000 signatures by July is a monumental task, and every person who can help is vitally needed." If you can help with this effort, please contact Michigan Family Forum by phone, (517) 374-1171 or email, info@michiganfamily.org.

An informational flyer (bulletin insert) about the petition drive is also now available. To download a copy or for more information from the Michigan Family Forum website including how to obtain petitions, click here.

Federal Marriage Amendment in the News

The proposed Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) continues to be the subject of many news stories. Matt Daniels, President of the Alliance for Marriage and the chief architect of the FMA language was the subject of a recent front-page USA Today story. Click here to read the article.

Focus on the Family has indicated that now is the critical time to contact your representatives in Washington about the FMA. As the date of "legal" gay marriage in Massachusetts draws near, support for the FMA is especially crucial. Click here to read the Focus on Family article and to contact your representatives.

"People’s Override" Petitions Delivered to
Secretary of State

Right to Life of Michigan and other coalition partners, including Michigan Family Forum, today delivered more than 450,000 signatures to the Secretary of State calling for an end to partial-birth abortion. Once processed, the citizen-initiated legislation will be sent to the House and Senate for a simple majority vote. If passed, the legislation will automatically take effect without the Governor’s approval.

Michigan Family Forum would like to thank the many individuals who collected signatures and put forth the tremendous effort that resulted in this victory. For up to date information on the People’s Override, click here.

National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) Releases
"Deployed Fathers & Family Guide"

The National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) has made it one of their priorities to help keep military fathers connected with their families during deployment. Toward that aim, NFI has released a new guide and brochure entitled "Deployed Fathers & Families Guide for Enlisted Personnel."

The guide is designed to help military dads and their families with important information, advice, and strategies to help them effectively manage the challenges of military deployment.

Click here for more information, including how to obtain copies of the guide.

National Day of Prayer – May 6, 2004

In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual, national day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. This year, that happens to be May 6.

In addition to national and local community recognition of the National Day of Prayer, a state observance will take place on the steps of the Capitol in downtown Lansing from noon until 1:00pm. Executive Director Brad Snavely will be one of the speakers at the event.

Click here for more information.

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Forum Online

1003 N. Washington, P.O. Box 15216

Lansing, MI, 48901-5216

Phone: (517) 374-1171, Fax: (517) 374-6112

www.michiganfamily.org

Executive Director: Brad Snavely

Editor: Jon Stanton

Graphic Design: Beth Hafer

Questions? E-mail us: info@michiganfamily.org

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