February 3, 2005 - Volume 3, Issue 5

MFF Prepares 2005 Legislative Agenda

Michigan Family Forum will release an ambitious Legislative Agenda for the 93^rd Michigan Legislature at a special reception for lawmakers on February 23. All state lawmakers are being invited to the event. Those who attend will be given a copy of "Putting Families First (our 2005 Agenda)", "What Every Child Needs", and our newest publication, "Marriage and Divorce: Public Opinion in Michigan." Stay tuned to Forum Online for more information about our upcoming Agenda.

President Bush Takes Stand for Marriage

President Bush left no doubt about where he stands regarding the protection of marriage. During the State of the Union address Wednesday evening, the President said, "Because marriage is a sacred institution and the foundation of society, it should not be re-defined by activist judges. For the good of families, children, and society, I support a constitutional amendment to protect the institution of marriage."

The President’s remarks received a standing ovation from the majority of Republican lawmakers. The Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) has been reintroduced in the Senate already. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) has promised to make the amendment a priority.

For more information about the President’s comments, click here. To read the State of the Union address in its entirety, click here.

A new study from the Parents Television Council (PTC) finds that MTV, far more than any other network, targets children with primetime programs featuring sex and foul language. "Children watching MTV are viewing an average of nine sexual scenes per hour," said PTC President Brent Bozell, "with approximately 18 sexual depictions and 17 instances of sexual dialogue or innuendo."

Michigan Family Forum favors allowing consumers to "unbundle" their cable TV packages. "Many parents do not want to subscribe to MTV and other objectionable networks, but are forced to because of the "packages" cable companies set up," said MFF Executive Director Brad Snavely. "This change would allow parents to remove specific networks and channels from these packages."

For more information about the PTC study, click here.

Malachi Men’s Retreat Comes to Saginaw

Brian D. Molitor, Founder of The Malachi Global Foundation, and author of "Boy’s Passage-Man’s Journey" will be leading a men’s seminar in Saginaw, February 25 and 26. The event will take place at St. Mary’s Health Education Center, 800 S. Washington Ave in the Masud Lecture Hall.

The cost for the two-day seminar is $40.00, which includes the book and workbook. Things get started on Friday at 6:00pm and conclude on Saturday at 4:30pm. Speakers include Molitor and Brian Pruitt, an all-American football player, youth pastor and author of "Four the King."

For more information or to register, click here.

Promise Keepers Early Registration Deadline Fast Approaching

The early registration deadline for Michigan's only Promise Keepers gathering in 2005 is February 15. Registering early saves $20 on admission. This year’s event takes place July 8 and 9 at the Breslin Center on the campus of MSU in East Lansing.

The theme for 2005 is "The Awakening." Speakers include Brad Stine, Reggie Dabbs, Ted Haggard, Jack Hayford, Dennis Rainey, and more. For more information, click here.

This week’s issue of the Forum Online may arrive in your mailbox more than once. We apologize for any inconvenience, and ask that you please be patient while we make the necessary changes with our new server. If you keep Forum Online on your approved "white list," it will be necessary to update your list with the new address. If you have questions or problems, please feel free to contact us at (517) 374-1171 or by email, info@michiganfamily.org.

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