Official Statement on House Passing " The Respect for Marriage Act" & Next Steps

In the aftermath of the overturn of Roe v. Wade, Justice Clarence Thomas made threats to Obergefell v. Hodges- the Supreme Court decision that overturned gay marriage bans in many states, including Michigan. If the Supreme Court were to overturn this decision, the law would revert back to each State & in the case of Michigan, would ban marriage equality. Chosen Family of Michigan works to protect the right to marriage equality & is pleased that the U.S. House has passed The Respect for Marriage Act, which protects the right to same sex & interracial marriage. This bill will move to the U.S. Senate where it will need the full support of the Democratic Party as well as 10 Republican Senators to avoid the filibuster. With a vast majority of Americans supporting marriage equality, we hope that the U.S. Senate will protect this right. We are also pleased that both U.S. Senators from Michigan support this bill.

Additionally, we are hopeful that this bill along with the Equality Act, will come up for a vote in the Senate before the end of this term. The Equality Act would protect the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination by adding them to the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The Equality Act was also passed by the House but has stalled in the Senate. We hope both of these bills stay at the forefront of the minds of U.S. Senators. Michigan residents can contact their Senators at the contact information provided below:

Senator Gary Peters: www.peters.senate.gov/contact/email-gary

Senator Debbie Stabenow: www.stabenow.senate.gov/contact

Additionally, the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act is the state non-discrimination act that currently does not explicitly protect LGBTQ+ people. You can find your State Representatives & State Senators & encourage them to take action on this issue with the information provided below:

Find your State Representative: www.house.mi.gov/#findarepresentative

Find your State Senator: www.senate.michigan.gov/

Lastly, many localities in Michigan have taken action to pass LGBTQ+ non-discrimination ordinances. If your locality has yet to take these actions, please reach out to us for additional support.

Official Statement on Overturn of Roe v. Wade & Threats to Gay Marriage

Chosen Family of Michigan is deeply saddened by the overturn of Roe v. Wade & the impact this will have on people across our country, especially in regard to private medical decisions. Although we won't debate the closely held religious beliefs of individuals, CFM looks to the science as well as the advice of medical professionals. We know these decisions are often difficult & are usually made in challenging medical circumstances, which is why the right to make these decisions with a medical expert is a right that should never be challenged.

Gender & anatomically based rights are LGBTQ+ rights, which is why every person in our community should be concerned by this decision. We are also deeply disturbed by the comments made by Justice Clarence Thomas, outlining his desire that Obergefell v. Hodges be reviewed, which puts gay marriage at risk of being overturned. CFM will be proactive in protecting this right in the State of Michigan.

We are encouraged by the injunction on the Michigan law that bans abortion, temporarily allowing for abortion procedures while the law is debated in state court. We also are encouraged by the Michigan Attorney General's refusal to prosecute doctors & patients in regard to abortion. Additionally, we are hopeful that the Reproductive Freedom ballot initiative will be put to the voters of our state this November. It's going to take funding & engaged volunteers to protect the right to make private medical decisions & to protect LGBTQ+ rights.

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

Planting seeds.

We are ecstatic to kick-off Pride Month and announce the official launch of Chosen Family of Michigan, an organization dedicated to serving & uplifting the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy and homeless youth support services.

There are 3 main ways you can help us launch:

1. Visit our website and donate today via the "Donate Now" button. Our goal for our "Planting Seeds" fundraiser is $10,000. Every donation helps us to serve our community and fulfill our mission. Donations are tax deductible, and you will receive an automated receipt for your records

2. At the bottom of every page on our website is a place to join our monthly newsletter. Please do so and stay updated on everything Chosen Family!

3. Share our posts and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We need the support of as many people as possible and spreading this news will be incredibly helpful.

Let's get started and plant these seeds!