Michigan university thumbs its nose at court

By: Steve Huston

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.

Yet, Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is thumbing its nose at 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. 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.

According to a local news report:

“A West Michigan lawmaker is blasting Grand Valley State University’s plan to offer benefits to un-married partners of school employees.

State Representative Arlan Meekhof called the plan “A slap in the face to Michigan taxpayers and morality.”

The benefits will apply to gay partners and other live-in partners who are unrelated adults.
In attacking the school’s board of trustees Meekhof released the following statement, “Not only are they increasing the university’s expenses, but this institute of higher learning has chosen to use taxpayer dollars and student tuition dollars to allow and promote immorality.”

Meekhof says he will request a legal opinion on the plan from Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox.

GVSU officials say they added the benefit to attract and keep talented professionals. They made the decision last week on the same day they voted to increase tuition by more than 13%.”

http://www.wzzm13.com/news/most_popular_story.aspx?storyid=95765&provider=top Michigan residents, especially, contact Grand Valley State University, urging them to repeal this policy:

Grand Valley State University
President Thomas J. Haas
1 Campus Dr.
Allendale, MI 49401-9403
phone: 616-331-2180
email: siglowr@gvsu.edu – Rachel Siglow, Executive Secretary to the President
email: loseyt@gvsu.edu – Teri Losey, Secretary to the Board of Trustees, Special Assistant to the President

Also, contact Representative Meekhof, offering a word of appreciation and encouragement for his stance in support of morality and marriage.

Email Rep. Meekhof: arlanbmeekhof@house.mi.gov
Or call Rep. Meekhof at: 517- 373-0838

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

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