May 27, 2004 - Volume 2, Issue 20

"Protect Marriage Yes" Petition Drive Forges Ahead
Coordinators Named for All Counties

Requests for petitions continue to arrive daily at the MFF office as concerned citizens seek to take a stand for traditional marriage. County coordinators have been named for all of Michigan’s 83 counties.

"People are beginning to realize that if they want to have a say in what marriage in Michigan means, then this petition drive must succeed," said Executive Director Brad Snavely. "Having county coordinators in place statewide will ensure that these last five weeks of the petition drive end with a strong push for the collection of 400,000 signatures."

Click here to check out the "Citizens for the Protection of Marriage" website to find out who is coordinating the effort in your county and how you can participate. To request petitions, contact your county coordinator or MFF at (517) 374-1171, info@michiganfamily.org.

Marriage Bills Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee

The package of marriage reform bills passed by the House last week has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senator Alan Cropsey chairs the committee.

These bills would help strengthen marriage and protect children from the effects of divorce. It is very important that Senators hear from their constituents on the importance of this legislation. Click here to visit the Citizen Action Center and contact your Senator. Click here to read an article about the bills from Family News in Focus.

Attention All Youth Leaders – Teen Abstinence Events Coming Soon!

Michigan Family Forum is hosting two upcoming events for teens interested in learning how to promote abstinence in their schools. The first event, "Leading Edge – a Training Retreat for Peer Educators," will take place June 16-18 on the campus of Michigan State University. Speakers include Miss America Erika Harold, Kyle Warmington, and Mary Jane Pories. There is a nominal charge per teen for this three-day event.

The second event, "Momentum 2004 – Gaining Ground Through Smart Choices" will take place on Friday, June 18, 2004 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Ada Bible Church near Grand Rapids. Featured speakers include Erika Harold and Kyle Warmington, along with musical guests Wayburn Dean and Crisi. The event is free of charge and open to any teen.

For more information about either of these events, contact Dan Jarvis at (517) 374-1171, or email, dan@michiganfamily.org.

Board of Canvassers Approves "People’s Override" Petitions

The state election bureau’s Board of Canvassers today approved the more than 460,000 signatures received in the People’s Override initiative to end partial-birth abortion. Right to Life reports that this petition drive will go down in history as having received the most signatures ever for an entirely volunteer effort. The signatures were also received in only half of the time allotted. Clearly the citizens of Michigan have a strong opinion about banning partial-birth abortions.

The petition language will now be submitted to the House and Senate where approval is expected. The bill then becomes law without approval from the Governor.

For more information, click here.

Right to Life Oratory Contest Winners

Three students were recently chosen as winners of the annual Right to Life oratory contest. The contest encourages students to develop a speech promoting a person’s right to live. From left to right, the winners were: Ashley Sumpter (2nd place), Sterling Heights; Syrena Rexroat (1st place), Lake Leelanau; and Deborah Lemmen (3rd place), Hamilton

Executive Director Brad Snavely served as one of the panel judges. "These students were amazing. It’s wonderful to hear young people who are absolutely committed to promoting a ‘culture of life’ in their communities."

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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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