The Human Rights Campaign lauded the Michigan House of
Representatives defeat of a proposed constitutional amendment that would
have denied marriage, civil unions or domestic partnerships to same-sex
couples in Michigan.
"Enshrining discrimination in any constitution is always wrong," said
HRC President Cheryl Jacques. "We applaud the representatives for voting
to treat Michigan's citizens equally in the state's guiding document.
Elected officials in Washington should follow Michigan's lead and get
back to concentrating on the issues that are their constituents'
priorities – not messing with the Constitution."
"We were always confident that fairness and equality would win the day,"
said Sean Kosofsky, director of policy for Triangle Foundation – a
Michigan group serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
community. "But to have the vote behind us, and to have been able to put
down this attack on gays and lesbians, is a great relief and makes for a
great day in Michigan."
The March 9 vote on the amendment was 65 to 38, eight votes short of the
two-thirds necessary for passage. Three Republicans joined in voting
against the measure.
To defeat this bill, HRC worked with the Coalition for a Fair Michigan –
a large group that includes statewide groups like the Triangle
Foundation and Michigan Equality.
"We are proud to have partnered with the Coalition for a Fair Michigan
to help build grassroots opposition to this amendment," said Sally
Green, HRC's associate field director. "We activated HRC members to join
CFM in calling and writing legislators, attending two Lobby Days in
Lansing, and in spreading the word. We will continue to partner with
CFM to ensure that this amendment does not crop up again in 2004."
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