Governor Signs Violent Video Game Bills
 Governor Jennifer Granholm this week signed four bills designed to protect children from the harmful effects of violent and sexually explicit video games. The new legislation would result in fines and/or prison time for retailers who knowingly sell or rent such games to a minor. It would also require them to post or provide information explaining the categories of the current voluntary video game ratings system.
"Michigan Family Forum helped craft this legislation and is pleased that the Governor also realized the impact ultra-violent and sexually explicit video games have on children," said MFF Executive Director Brad Snavely. "Expert testimony from MFF staff and researchers helped prove the point that video game violence is a real issue facing today's children and families, and the state has a compelling interest to protect kids from its harmful effects.
The video game industry was quick to cry foul, and has already indicated they will challenge the law in Court, saying it violates First Amendment free speech rights. They have successfully overturned similar laws in other states. However, Michigan lawmakers crafted the new laws carefully in an attempt to prevent such a ruling against the Michigan legislation. The Governor has also said she is confident the legislation would survive a judicial challenge.
To read Michigan Family Forum's press release, click here. To read the Governor's press release, click here. To read a news story about the new legislation, click here. To view information from the First Amendment Center, a non-partisan analysis group, click here. (Note: this link also has information about similar legislation in other states)
Judicial Activism Undermines Will of the People...Again
 Michigan's citizens have once again had their voice squelched by a Federal Appeals Court ruling. Judge Denise Hood ruled this week that the voter-initiated Partial Birth Abortion ban was "unconstitutional" because it put an "undue burden" on women seeking an abortion. The ban had been initiated through the "People's Override" ballot drive that resulted in the collection of more than 450,000 signatures. Attorney General Mike Cox has the option to appeal the ruling. He has not yet indicated if he will do so.
In another blatant example of judicial activism, a Federal Judge in California banned the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance saying it would "violate the right of children to be free from a coercive requirement to affirm God." Interestingly, another Federal Court in Virginia ruled the exact opposite saying that the Pledge is a "patriotic" rather than "religious" tradition. The case is expected to ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court which declined to rule on a similar case last year because of a technicality.
To read more about the Partial Birth Abortion ruling, click here. To read more about the Pledge of Allegiance ruling, click here. For more about the Pledge ruling from Focus on the Family, click here.
Governor's Race Narrows Further
 State Senator Nancy Cassis (R-Novi) announced this week that she is dropping out of the race for Governor. She quickly threw her support behind Ada businessman Dick DeVos. With Cassis' withdrawal, DeVos is now the only candidate in the Republican primary. Thus it is nearly certain that he will face off against incumbent Governor Jennifer Granholm in November, 2006.
Cassis may be a possible choice for lieutenant governor, although she was quick to add that at this time she plans to focus on re-election to her Senate seat.
To read more about Nancy Cassis' decision to withdraw from the race, click here.
Quote of the Week
“Judges and justices are servants of the law, not the other way around. Judges are like umpires. Umpires don't make the rules; they apply them….I have no agenda, but I do have a commitment. If I am confirmed, I will confront every case with an open mind. I will fully and fairly analyze the legal arguments that are presented. I will be open to the considered views of my colleagues on the bench. And I will decide every case based on the record, according to the rule of law, without fear or favor, to the best of my ability. And I will remember that it's my job to call balls and strikes and not to pitch or bat.”
-Supreme Court Chief Justice Nominee Judge John Roberts, in his opening statement before the Senate Judiciary Committee
Failed Amendment Vote Paves the Way for Voter-Initiated Marriage Amendment in Massachusetts
 The voters of Massachusetts will soon have an opportunity to reverse Court-ordered same-sex marriage in that state. With the failure of the Massachusetts Legislature to pass an amendment that would have banned same-sex marriage, but allowed civil unions, the door is now open for the voter-initiated petition drive.
The petition drive is scheduled to launch September 21, and must secure 66,000 signatures within 60 days, as well as the support of 25-percent of the Legislature in order to place the amendment before voters. Organizers are confident this can be accomplished.
For more information, click here to visit the website of the Massachusetts Family Institute.
Day of Prayer for Katrina's Victims
 President George W. Bush has called the nation to prayer on Friday, September 16 on behalf of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The President issued the proclamation earlier this week.
Churches around the state are holding special prayer services. Governor Granholm is expected to attend an ecumenical service at the Straight Gate International Church in Detroit. To read the President's proclamation, click here.
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