December 2, 2004 - Volume 2, Issue 45

New Poll Shows Support for Efforts to Strengthen Marriage and Protect Children of Divorce

Michigan voters are supportive of positive steps to strengthen marriages and protect children in cases of divorce. A recent survey conducted by Mitchell Research & Communications, Inc. for the Michigan Family Forum found that 87 percent of registered voters believe divorce is a problem in our society and nearly two-thirds (62%) of the public believe steps should be taken to curb the trend.

"Michigan’s citizens clearly support these initiatives," said MFF Executive Director Brad Snavely. "We hope the Governor will consider the will of the people and act to strengthen marriage and protect the children of divorce. Signing these bills into law is the right thing to do."

Governor Granholm’s office has indicated that the Governor would more than likely not sign the legislation because she feels it is too intrusive. Most Michiganians clearly believe otherwise.

To view information about the poll, click here.
To read a local news story about the poll, click here.
To contact Governor Jennifer Granholm, click here.

Governor Strikes Same-Sex Domestic Partnership Language from State Employee Contracts

The Governor’s office has announced that proposed domestic partnership benefits will be removed from the proposed state employee contracts. The move came as a group of lawmakers prepared to pass a resolution asking the Civil Service Commission to prevent the benefits from taking effect.

Michigan voters recently passed Proposal 2, a constitutional amendment that prevents the state from recognizing same-sex marriages or similar unions. The Office of the State Employer indicated that it would be more prudent to await a Court decision on whether the amendment impacts domestic partnership benefits.

To read the Detroit Free Press article, click here.
To read the proposed resolution, click here.

Fatherhood Fact

"Results show that boys with absent fathers exhibit a poorer sense of masculinity as well as poorer interpersonal relationships than do boys with fathers present."

This fact, as well as many other detailed facts about the unique contribution of fathers and mothers, is available in MFF’s latest publication, "What Every Child Needs." To find out how to obtain a copy, click here.

"ABC" Policy Successful in Curbing the Spread of AIDS in Africa

"ABC" or "Abstinence, Being faithful, and Condom use" has proven to be a successful educational effort to preventing the spread of AIDS in Africa. The epidemic in Africa has been classified by some as being out of control, with nearly one-third of the population being infected.

"Abstinence or mutual faithfulness by non-infected spouses are the only sure-fire way to combat the AIDS epidemic in Africa," said MFF Executive Director Brad Snavely. "A similar effort would have the same results in the USA."

For more information about "ABC" education, click here.

Supreme Court Declines to Hear Marriage Case

Same-sex marriage in Massachusetts will continue to be legal—at least for a while —after the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear a challenge to the case that forced same-sex marriage on the people of the commonwealth.

The case asserted the people of Massachusetts were denied their constitutional right to representative government by being excluded from a vote or voice in the Legislature on the issue of marriage, according to C.J. Doyle, a spokesman for the Catholic Action League, which brought the case.

To read the full story, 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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