September 9, 2004 - Volume 2, Issue 34

Michigan Marriage Amendment (MMA) Ordered on Ballot for November Election

As reported in a special "Forum Flash" late last week, the Michigan Court of Appeals did overturn the vote of the Board of Canvassers placing the MMA on the ballot in November. Citizens for the Protection of Marriage was thrilled with the ruling.

"The Court quickly validated what the coalition knew all along," said MFF Executive Director Brad Snavely. "The Board of Canvassers clearly acted outside of their prescribed duties, and justice has been served."

To read Michigan Family Forum’s Press Release, click here.
To read the Court of Appeals Decision, click here.

Marriage Package Hearing Scheduled for Senate
Judiciary Committee

The Michigan Senate Judiciary Committee will hold hearings on Tuesday, September 14 at 1:00pm on a package of bills designed to strengthen marriage and protect children during a divorce. The bills are similar to a package passed by the Michigan House earlier this year.

Click here to access our Citizen Action Center to contact your State Senator asking for their support.
Click here to read the highlights of what the bills would accomplish.

Quote of the Week

"In this world of change, some things do not change: the values we try to live by, the institutions that give our lives meaning and purpose. Our society rests on a foundation of responsibility and character and family commitment."
-President George W. Bush, from his address to the Republican National Convention

New Study Indicates that TV Influences Teen Sexual Behavior

Young teens who are exposed to sex on TV are likely to mimic the behavior in real life. That's something parents have known for a while, but, in a new study from the RAND Corporation, science confirms their fears.

According to RAND, a nonprofit think-tank, teens who watch programming like this are twice as likely to engage in similar sexual behavior as are kids who avoid sex on TV. For more information, including detailed results of the study, click here.

Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) Debate Coming Soon to U.S. House

The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to take up debate on the FMA sometime during the week of September 20. The debate is expected to be a lively one, and Michigan Family Forum is suggesting that interested parties contact their representatives in Congress asking for their support. Visit MFF’s Citizen Action Center to easily construct an email to your congressperson asking for their support of the FMA.

Family Research Council (FRC) and other family policy organizations are planning another "Battle for Marriage" simulcast for September 19 in preparation for the House debate. For detailed information about the simulcast, click here.

Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) Program Offers Free Legal Advice for Churches

The Alliance Defense Fund, in association with the James Madison Center for Free Speech, will offer free legal advice to churches, pastors, and priests on how to speak about the great social and moral issues of our day without risking the loss of tax-exempt status.

To this end, they have prepared a free guide summarizing the various activities that are allowed under the Internal Revenue Code and the Federal Election Campaign Act. For more information, or to obtain a copy of the guide, 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

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

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