Standing up for what is right!

I just revived this email  and I'm passing this along and urging you all to do the same. If these politicians in Michigan have their way, it will be illegal to offer health benefits to same-sexed couples. Not only is this morally wrong, but it's just hateful.  

Hello Stephani,

The Public Employee Domestic Partner Benefits Restriction Act (HB 4770) and HB 4771 are going to the floor of the Michigan Senateon Tuesday, October 25.

What we need right now is a fierce campaign of letters to editors throughout Michigan. Please, take a moment to write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.

In addition to the moral bankruptcy of this Act, a few key points to keep in mind in drafting letters include:

The discriminatory nature of HB 4770 is so obvious that it includes a section stating the rest of the bill would remain in effect if a part of the bill is declared unconstitutional.

If passed, this bill would leave at least 320,000 people without healthcare.

Fiscal analysis did not account for the cost to Michigan in defending this bill when lawsuits are brought against it for the civil rights it clearly violates.

HB 4771 is another conservative attempt to cripple unions and their ability to bargain collectively.

HB 4770 and HB 4771 will make Michigan less competitive for the best candidates when hiring teachers, professors and researchers as well as all of the other public service jobs in our state.

While this should go without saying, please remember to keep your letters respectful; name-calling and abusive language will not advance our cause.

I have sent out a press release to several newspapers throughout the state, announcing my intention to deliver our petition to the Governor and the Senate on Tuesday. I realize this is short notice, but a flood of letters to the editors hitting Michigan's newspapers on the same day that we deliver the petition will hopefully get through to our elected officials just how seriously we stand against this horrible bill. I know I'm asking a lot, but emails and phone calls to your Senator will also be hugely helpful. We need them all to feel the pressure from their constituents.

Again, I cannot thank each of you enough for standing in support of Michigan's domestic partner benefits. There is still time if you know of anyone who wants to sign our petition.

Best Regards,

Seth Wescott