A group of booksellers including the Great Lakes Booksellers Association has challenged Public Act 192 in U.S. District Court. The law, which took effect on January 1, requires sellers to restrict the display of certain types of obscene material. Enforcement of this law is being withheld until its constitutionality is determined.

"Some retailers are still trying to claim the law is too vague, but we believe it clearly spells out that the most obscene types of hardcore material are what must be restricted," said Michigan Family Forum Executive Director Brad Snavely. "Most retailers were already willingly doing what was necessary to protect children from unnecessary exposure. This law does not cause an onerous burden on booksellers."

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and Rep. Triette Reeves, the bill’s sponsor, have both spoken out in defense of the law. The Michigan House and Senate unanimously passed the bill before sending it to the Governor.

President George W. Bush has put forth a plan that would provide $1.5 billion to help couples develop interpersonal skills that sustain healthy marriages. The president has indicated that he believes strong, healthy marriages are an important component of welfare reform.

The president’s proposal would use the federal dollars for specific activities such as advertising campaigns, instruction in marriage skills and mentoring programs that use married couples as role models. All activities would be offered on a voluntary basis to couples seeking the help.

Michigan Family Forum shared the platform with other groups committed to pro-life issues at a press conference today announcing the launch of the "People’s Override." The Campaign kicked off today and will seek at least 325,000 signatures in the next 180 days to help end partial-birth abortion in this state.

The Michigan constitution allows citizens to introduce legislation through a petition campaign. Once enough signatures are collected and both houses of the legislature pass the legislation, it automatically becomes law even without the Governor’s signature. Right to Life of Michigan initiated the "People’s Override" because of Governor Granholm’s veto of legislation which had passed both houses before reaching her desk.

The U.S. House subcommittee on telecommunications and the Internet is set to hold hearings to examine the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) failure to enforce broadcast decency standards.

The hearings stem from recent FCC rulings that did not levy fines when broadcasters allowed use of the "f-word" because it "was not used to describe sexual or excretory functions." Family groups have been asking Congress to investigate why broadcast standards and indecency laws have not been consistently enforced.

Family policy groups are asking concerned citizens to contact the President of the Massachusetts Senate because of plans on his part to delay a Constitutional Convention. The Convention has been called to allow the introduction of the "Marriage Affirmation and Protection Amendment" defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

Senate President Robert Travaglini is considering postponing the Convention until the Massachusetts Supreme Court issues its opinion on whether a civil union bill would meet the requirements of the ruling. Please consider contacting Sen. Travaglini and ask him not to delay the convention.

This issue has national ramifications because other states could be required to recognize gay marriages performed in Massachusetts if the amendment doesn’t pass.

A new study says that too many Americans dying in nursing homes and other health care institutions receive inadequate pain medication, emotional support, respect and communication with physicians.

Forum Online

© 2003 Michigan Family Forum

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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