Violent Video Games Update
 Two bills designed to protect children from the harmful influence of ultra-violent video games have passed in the Michigan Senate. SB 249 and SB 416 will make it a crime to sell such video games to minors. Michigan Family Forum submitted testimony during the committee hearings in support of the two bills and was instrumental in helping develop their language. To view the testimony, click here.
Also this week, facing mounting evidence showing a link between violent TV and video games and aggressive tendencies in kids, the American Psychological Association (APA) called for a "reduction in interactive media violence" and "stronger enforcement of game ratings." For more about the APA statement, click here.
Both Senate bills are currently being meshed with similar legislation from the House before being presented to the Governor for her signature. Governor Granholm has indicated she will sign the legislation. To view the bill language, click here and enter the bill number in the "bill number" search field.
Sex Ed Legislation Results in More Community Involvement
 New legislation spearheaded by Michigan Family Forum and signed into law by Governor Granholm in 2004 is resulting in more community involvement in school sex ed programs.
"We wanted parents to have a voice in what their kids were being taught about human sexuality," said MFF Executive Director Brad Snavely. "It appears that more districts are making sure the parents and the community have a meaningful role in determining the content of their district's sex ed curriculum."
Recent news articles in Grand Rapids and Lansing confirm this growing trend. Click here to view an example from the Grand Rapids Press. Click here to download a copy of MFF's resource publication, "Sex Ed: Rights and Responsibilities in Michigan Law" which details the changes made as a result of the 2004 legislation.
California Court OK's "Same-Sex Parenting"
 The California Supreme Court ruled this week in a series of cases granting parenting rights to same-sex couples. In essence, the court undermined the generally accepted concept of "family" (i.e. "mother" and "father") by ruling that a child can have two "parents" of the same sex.
One case stemmed from the break-up of a lesbian couple who had children by artificial insemination. One partner donated the egg, while the other partner served as the surrogate mother. The court ruled that both "mothers" were legal parents and thus were subject to child support laws after the relationship crumbled. To read about the details of the three cases, click here.
Several family policy organizations responded with dismay to this legal re-definition of the family. To read Focus on the Family's response, click here.
".xxx" Domain Denial Not a Done Deal
Last week's Forum Online reported on a delay in the creation of a new ".xxx" domain for pornographic websites as a result of opposition from the Bush Administration. While the decision on whether to create the new domain has indeed been delayed, there is still the possibility that the organization responsible for such decisions (ICANN) could approve it.
The Family Research Council (FRC) and Morality in the Media are asking interested parties to sign a petition or send an email against creation of the new domain. Click here for FRC's site (send email). Click here for Morality in the Media's site (sign petition).
Senate Hearing for Judge Roberts Expected After Labor Day
 Supreme Court nominee Judge John Roberts is expected to go before the Senate Judiciary Committee for a hearing when lawmakers return after Labor Day. The hearing promises to be a lively one as liberals and conservatives face-off over Judge Roberts' perceived interpretation of the Constitution.
For more information about the Roberts nomination from Family Research Council, click here.
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