March 4, 2004 - Volume 2, Issue 9

Michigan Family Forum Announces New
"Citizen Action Center"

Michigan Family Forum (MFF) is proud to announce the launch of a new electronic "Citizen Action Center" (CAC) to assist our supporters in contacting their legislators on key issues. This new component of our website will allow supporters or those visiting the site to easily compose an email or letter to targeted officials in their own legislative districts.

The CAC will be activated when important components of our legislative agenda or other important legislative issues are being debated. Registration is quick and easy. Click here to become part of this valuable grassroots effort today!

Michigan Marriage Amendment Vote Set for
Next Week

The Michigan House is expected to vote Tuesday on a proposed amendment to the Michigan Constitution to protect the institution of marriage. The resolution states that "only marriage between one man and one woman shall be recognized as valid in this state." It also states that "no other relationship shall be recognized as a marriage or its legal equivalent by the state…regardless of whether such a relationship is recognized by the laws of any jurisdiction outside of this state."

The vote is expected to be close and grassroots support is absolutely essential to ensure success. The Resolution must pass with a two-thirds majority (at least 73 votes in the House).

Now is the time to speak out on this absolutely critical issue. Click here to access the Citizen Action Center to contact your state representative and ask for their "yes" vote on House Joint Resolution U.

Federal Marriage Amendment Update

The debate over marriage continued this week with more reports of local officials issuing same-sex marriage licenses while many state legislatures attempt to pass "DOMA" laws or marriage amendments. President Bush also reiterated his support for a Federal Marriage Amendment in speeches this week.

In the midst of the chaos that has erupted over this issue, one fact remains clear. The majority of Americans are still opposed to "gay marriages." However, the support for a Federal Marriage Amendment is not as strong. That may be because many Americans have not yet considered the logistical and legal nightmare that legalized "gay marriage" would eventually bring to every state in the union.

Many editorials and "white papers" have been written this week that help draw into focus the ramifications of this issue. Click on the links below for more information.

"The Next State to Drop" by Stanley Kurtz, National Review Online
"Gay Activists Wrong in FMA Charge" from Focus on the Family
"How the Judges Forced President Bush’s Hand" by Lisa Schiffren
(registration may be required to view this article)

MFF Responds to Criticism of P.A. 192

Public Act 192, a law designed to protect minors from exposure to pornographic materials, is currently being challenged in court. Michigan Family Forum has responded to numerous media requests dealing with this issue.

The Lansing State Journal recently issued an editorial calling on lawmakers to come up with a "more narrowly defined" law to protect minors. They claimed the Act was too vague for booksellers to comply with and would open them up for potential prosecution for allowing minors to browse "literary classics."

Michigan Family Forum issued an editorial response that was printed on Sunday, February 29. Executive Director Brad Snavely clearly and concisely answered the false claims being made against P.A. 192 and clarified the true intention of the law. Click here to read the State Journal article and MFF's response.

Sex Education Bills Move to Full Senate

The Michigan Senate Education Committee voted (3-2) today to send SB 943 and SB 944 to the full Senate. These bills would establish certain requirements for abstinence education and develop a system for reporting schools that violate the sex education laws.

The Senate is expected to vote on these bills within the next two weeks. Look for more information on this issue in next week's Forum Online.

Senators Introduce LTC Insurance Bill

Three U.S. senators have introduced legislation designed to make it easier for people to purchase private long-term care insurance while helping states trim Medicaid costs.

The measure would enable an individual to purchase a long-term care insurance policy approved by a state government. In return, the state would guarantee that should the policy benefits be exhausted, the government would cover the costs of continuing care through Medicaid without requiring the senior to spend down.

Such programs allow individuals to protect their assets and help states rein in runaway Medicaid budgets. To retrieve a copy of the bill, 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

Graphic Design: Beth Hafer

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

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