August 12, 2004 - Volume 2, Issue 30

U.S. House Preparing to Vote on Federal Marriage Amendment

The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to take up debate on the Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) the week of September 20. The FMA would constitutionally define marriage as the union of a man and a woman. The House version is expected to be nearly identical to the version recently defeated in the Senate.

This vote is also expected to be a difficult one, as a two-thirds majority is needed to pass it. Michigan Family Forum is urging individuals to begin contacting your elected representatives now. Click here for more information and to contact your representative.

Breaking News: As the Forum Online was nearing completion, MFF received word that the California Supreme Court has nullified all of the same-sex "marriages" performed in recent months in San Francisco. Check one of your local news outlets for more details.

"Protect Marriage Yes" Update

The Board of Canvassers met August 11 to set the time frame for any challenges to the signatures in the "Protect Marriage Yes" petition drive. Individuals or groups have until August 23 to submit any challenges to the signatures. Most involved parties are confident that there are more than enough valid signatures, however. For up to date information, click here.

Focus on the Family Releases New Sex Ed Booklet

Focus on the Family (FOF) has released a new booklet entitled "Modern Sex Education: The Indoctrination of a Generation." The booklet details the outcome of changes in sex education policy in the last several decades and reveals how the current mantra has resulted in higher teenage pregnancy and disease rates. Click here for more information.

Michigan Family Forum is currently preparing a guide for parents and school boards on how to implement the changes mandated by MFF-initiated Public Act 165. The Act requires school districts to allow greater parental involvement in determining their district’s sex ed curriculum. Stay tuned to future issues of Forum Online for more information.

Voter Registration Kits Still Available

Focus on the Family, in cooperation with Michigan Family Forum and FRC, has issued kits for churches and pastors interested in holding a voter registration drive. The "Voter Impact Toolkits" include posters, bulletin inserts, sermon outlines, a CD-ROM and other helpful information for having a successful drive at your local house of worship.

Michigan Family Forum has a limited number of free kits available. If interested, please give us a call at (517) 374-1171 or send an email request to info@michiganfamily.org. Click here for more information about the voter registration campaign.

Gambling Expansion on November Ballot

Michigan citizens concerned with the continuing expansion of legalized gambling have submitted enough signatures to place the issue before voters in November. Passage of the proposal would mean that any expansion of gambling in Michigan would have to be brought to the electorate for a vote.

To read more about the proposal, click here. For further information, please contact MFF at (517) 374-1171 or info@michiganfamily.org.

_________________________________________________

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

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

To Subscribe or Unsubscribe, Click Here