MI: State to Vote in November on Rewriting Constitution

Looking to make Michigan's Legislature part time? Want to fix the broken school finance system or launch sweeping reform of state tax policy? Hoping to overturn constitutional amendments outlawing affirmative action or gay marriage? This might be your year.

Voters in November will be asked if they want to rewrite the state constitution, opening the door for a possible wholesale change of the document that forms the bedrock of state government. Even recent voter-passed constitutional amendments, such as medical marijuana or stem cell research, could be up for debate.
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The political stars may be aligned as Michigan's economic collapse, coupled with the growing clamor for sweeping public policy reform and deepening frustration about inaction in the state capital, might prompt voters to toss out the 48-year-old, 52-page document and call for a constitutional convention, or "con-con" for short. Among those pushing a "yes" vote on Proposal 1 is Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

Full Story from The Detroit News
Click here for gay marriage resources in Michigan.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

Analyses of Four States Reviewing their Anti Gay Marriage Laws

The marriage equality drumbeat has rumbled on with news that several states will be attempting to re-examine their state constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage and/or civil unions. Surprisingly, this hasn't received as much attention as I assumed it would in the LGBT blogosphere. Ohio state representative Tyrone K. Yates (D-Cincinnati), Kentucky state representative Mary Lou Marzian (D-Jefferson), and Michigan House Speaker Pro Tem Pam Byrnes (D-Washtenaw County) have all introduced legislation to repeal their state's respective marriage amendments. Texas Attorney General candidate Barbara Radnofsky, however, has discovered that the state's amendment also inadvertently "eliminates marriage in Texas," including common-law marriages. A Texas judge ruled the state's amendment was unconstitutional last month. Full Story from The Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bil-browning/good-news-or-bad-ideas-ky_b_364738.html

Planning to marry your partner? Click here for gay marriage resources.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

Michigan Lawmaker Wants to Put Resolution to Reverse Gay Marriage Ban Before Voters in 2010

A gay marriage amendment could soon be up for vote in Michigan. House Speaker Pro Tem Pam Byrnes just introduced a resolution that would reverse the state's ban on same-sex unions. Right now Michigan's constitution recognizes marriage as being between one man and one woman. Byrnes says it's time for a change. She would need super-majority votes in both the House and Senate to get a same-sex proposal on the ballot in Michigan next year. Full Story from WWMT: http://www.wwmt.com/articles/vote-1368993-marriage-0in.html

Planning to marry your partner? Click here for gay marriage resources in Michigan.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

Update on Kalamazoo Gay Rights Proposition

Sex, religion, politics are often topics avoided in public. But now, Kalamazoo voters are front-and-center in an anti-discrimination debate. For the better part of a year, the Kalamazoo City Commission has debated whether or not to adopt an ordinance making it illegal to discriminate against Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender individuals when it comes to hiring, housing and public accommodation. As the election approaches next Tuesday, emotions on both sides are running high. Full Story from WOOD TV: http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/elections/Kzoo_voters_to_have_say_on_gay_rights

Planning to marry your partner? Click here for gay marriage resources in Michigan.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.