Statement on Banning of "Gay Panic Defense" in Michigan

We are pleased to provide an update on Public Act 87 of 2024, which was previously House Bill 4718. This legislation was signed into law by Governor Whitmer, banning the “gay panic defense.” Long used in many states, we know that fearing gay people is not an excuse to commit a crime, but we know it has been used time and time again as a defense. Notably, a similar defense was used in the State of Wyoming in the late 1990's as a defense for the individuals who attacked Matthew Shepard and left him to die.

Unfortunately, but perhaps not shockingly, many members voted against this progress. We must support pro-equity candidates up and down the ballot this November.

This progress falls directly into CFM’s vision of “A Michigan that uplifts the LGBTQ+ community through equity, understanding & opportunity.” We applaud it.

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Growing Together: 2023 Annual Report to the Community

We are pleased to announce the release of our 2023 Annual Report, highlighting our efforts over the past year as well as taking a brief look at our financial position. This year, we celebrated our anniversary on May 15th at the 2nd Annual Dandelion Dinner & Awards. It was wonderful to gather as a community to take a look back over the past year, as well as a look ahead. Additionally, we were able to celebrate members of our community who have been advocates for our community.

A few highlights of the annual report include:

1. The publishing of our Name Change Guide, developed as one of our Policy Squad Initiatives, with linked court forms, guiding members of the LGBTQ+ community through each step of the process.

2. The completion of our Strategic Plan, a mission-driven document that outlines our priorities in the years ahead.

3. Finishing our second year in a row net-positive and debt-free, putting us in a position for growth!

The full report can be viewed here.

We want to thank the community for your support over the past year - whether it was through a donation, attending an event, or contributing volunteer hours. Like a community garden, it takes all of us to plant, grow, and make something beautiful to benefit our community and create positive change.

Statement on Pro-Equality Changes at State & Federal Level

We are pleased to provide an update on several new and proposed changes to the law at both the state and the federal level, in support of LGBTQ+ people.

In Michigan, our pro-equality legislature and Governor Whitmer‘s Administration has worked on:

• Passing the Michigan Family Protection Act, adjusting our surrogacy laws and making the creation of families more equitable.

• HB 4718, which is headed to the Michigan Senate. If passed, this would repeal the “gay panic defense,” as fearing LGBTQ+ people is not a justification to commit a crime.

At the federal level, President Biden‘s Administration has:

• Created new LGBTQ+ protections for youth in the education system, ensuring equitable access to bathrooms, school dances, and in writing their stories.

• Restored healthcare protections for LGBTQ+ people that were previously reduced under the Trump administration. These new rules help to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in healthcare settings.

CFM applauds these developments and encourages leaders at both the state and federal level to continue fighting for LGBTQ+ people.

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org