April 29, 2004 - Volume 2, Issue 16

Senate Passes Abstinence Bills

Michigan Family Forum is pleased to announce that SB 943 and SB 944 have successfully passed the Michigan Senate and now await a hearing in the House Education Committee. These two bills would implement common sense guidelines for abstinence programs in public schools and allow parents a stronger voice in developing sex ed curriculum. They also enact a process for holding schools accountable if they violate the law.

The Senate approved the legislation with a healthy bi-partisan majority. Click here to access MFF’s Citizen Action Center to see how your Senator voted. If they voted yes, please consider sending them a note of thanks for their support.

To read Michigan Family Forum’s Press Release, click here.
To view a recent opinion piece from the Heritage Foundation on abstinence education, click here.

"Racino" Legislation Passes Senate by One Vote

The Michigan Senate today narrowly passed a bill that will allow casino-style gambling at horse racing tracks. The bill has already passed the House. The House and the Senate will now work out any differences and send the bill to the Governor for her signature.

Michigan Family Forum opposed this legislation on the grounds that casino gambling is harmful to families. Michigan is fast becoming the "Las Vegas" of the Midwest and this new package serves to further that image.

Marriage Amendment Gaining Momentum

Citizens for the Protection of Marriage continues to gather signatures for placing an amendment to the Michigan constitution before voters this Fall to protect the current definition of marriage. The petition drive is gaining momentum, but more volunteers are still needed.

If you are interested in gathering signatures, please visit the petition drive website at www.protectmarriageyes.org. This website contains up to date information on how to obtain petitions and where circulator training sessions are being held.

If you have questions about the petition drive or need to obtain petitions, feel free to contact Michigan Family Forum via email, info@michiganfamily.org or by phone, (517) 374-1171.

National Day of Prayer

One week remains until observance of the annual National Day of Prayer. On Thursday, May 6, a special state observance will take place on the steps of the Capitol in downtown Lansing at 12:00pm. Executive Director Brad Snavely will be one of the speakers.

You are encouraged to join with state leaders and hundreds of citizens from across the state at the Capitol observance. Prayer circles Many local communities also host prayer services at courthouses and other public venues. Click here for more information.

Marriage Strengthening Legislation Hearing Set for Tuesday

A package of bills designed to strengthen marriage in Michigan will be debated at a committee hearing this Tuesday at 9:00am in Room 308 of the House Office Building. If you are interested in participating in the hearing, please contact Dan Jarvis, dan@michiganfamily.org or (517) 374-1171, ext. 103.

The proposed legislation would develop programs to strengthen marriage and protect children from the effects of divorce. For more information, click here.

Fatherhood Summit – June 7-9

The National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) is sponsoring their 7^th Annual "National Summit on Fatherhood " June 7-9 in Atlanta. For registration information, click here.

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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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