An open act of defiance by a state university –

By: Steve Huston

An open act of defiance by a state university.
A state rep stands up for the people!

The following story broke in West Michigan in recent weeks.

Grand Valley State University thumbed its nose at the state’s high court. Get this: Michigan’s Supreme Court ruled in May 2008 that the state’s ban on gay marriages makes it illegal for public universities and other entities of state government to provide domestic partner benefits to the partners of gay employees.

Yet, Grand Valley State University (GVSU) did an end run around the state’s high court, and is bypassing the essence of the court’s ruling by instead adding health insurance benefits for “unmarried couples”. This benefit plan will apply to gay couples, as well as live-ins.

Michigan’s Supreme Court ruled in May 2008 that the state’s ban on gay marriage makes it illegal for public universities and other entities of state government to provide domestic partner benefits to the partners of gay employees.

According to GVSU counsel Tom Butcher, the new plan is not simply same-sex benefits repackaged under another name. Yeah, right. To paraphrase an old adage, ‘a rose by any other name…’ (or in this case, skunk cabbage). GVSU may claim their policy is not a way to circumvent state law, but common sense tells us otherwise. Their policy weakens the institution of marriage while promoting immoral lifestyles. Just like the skunk cabbage, it smells like another attack upon traditional values.
https://americandecency.org/main.php?f=updates_new/2008/July/07.22.08

Michigan’s State Rep. David Agema (R-Grandville) expressed his angst as a guest columnist in the Grand Rapids Press on Saturday stating:

“… Michigan voters and the Supreme Court supported the legal definition of marriage as between one man and one woman, reinforcing the public’s view on lawfully recognized bonds between individuals.

It is irresponsible for any public institution that receives tax dollars to use those funds for anything that goes against the accepted majority view. To reflect those wishes, I continue to propose a 5-percent reduction in state funding to any college or university that offers health care benefits to employees’ unmarried partners. …”

” … While people can argue that individuals should be able to live their lives how they want, members of the public should have the ability to direct its dollars where they want.

The reaction to GVSU’s decision to extend health coverage benefits to its employees’ unmarried partners, its additional cost, and the icing on the cake that Grand Valley tuition is being increased by 13 percent, all go toward helping me gather increased support for the 5-percent funding reduction measure to be reintroduced in the Legislature.

… Armed with the public opinion response generated by the GVSU action, I look forward to pursuing the 5-percent funding reduction in legislative bill form and will share the final version once it is drafted and introduced.

I welcome continued support and encouragement from the public as we work together to uphold the will of the Michigan people.

— State Rep. David Agema, R-Grandville, represents the 74th District.
http://www.mlive.com/grandrapids/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1217657720252680.xml&coll=6

Contact:

MAILING ADDRESS
State Rep. David Agema
N-1093 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48933

Phone: (517) 373-8900
Toll Free: (800) 968-2320
Email: daveagema@house.mi.gov

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An update:
Advertisers of CBS’ “Swingtown” from Friday, August 1.

The only national ads were two V-S and one Dish ad. Then, the regular fair of movie and network promos (fillers).

Express your concern:

Victorias Secret Stores Inc. – Victoria’s Secret
Grace A. Nichols – President and CEO
4 Limited Parkway
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Phone: 614-577-7000
Fax: 614-577-7047
http://www2.victoriassecret.com/html/custsrvc/contact/comments/

Dish Network Corp.
Mr. Charles W. Ergen, Chrm, President, CEO
9601 South Meridian Blvd.
Englewood, CO 80112
Ph: 303-723-1000
Fax: 303-723-1999
feedback@customermail.dishnetwork.com

For further info:
Advertisers are staying away from advertising in Swingtown
https://americandecency.org/main.php?f=updates_new/2008/August/08.04.08

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American Decency Association
Bill Johnson, President
P.O. Box 202
Fremont, MI 49412
ph: 231-924-4050
www.americandecency.org

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