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| Michigan House Of Representatives Photograph via WikiMedia |
In a reading of the language of the two bills that passed through the committee, there is not specific reference that addresses same-sex couples, but, according to Equality Michigan's Policy Director, Emily Dievendorf, it’s obvious whom the intended targets were.
In an phone interview Wednsday, Dievendorf explained that the principle sponsor of both bills, GOP Representative Dave Agema, (Grandview), made it clear his disdain for Michigan's LGBTQ citizens during testimony offered Tuesday regarding the proposed measures. She noted that Agema has a long history of introducing anti-gay bills designed to limit the equality rights of LGBTQ citizens of the state.
Agema is not alone in his hostility according to Ms. Dievendorf, the committee's chairman, Tom McMillin, (R- Rochester) has displayed an antagonistic attitude towards LGBTQ Michiganders during previous legislative efforts over the past few years to limit same-sex partner benefits.
These current bills would prohibit public employers from providing health care benefits to partners of their employees (House Bill 4770) and to make such benefits a prohibited subject of bargaining (House Bill 4771). Dievendorf stated that Michigan might soon become one of the more hostile states towards same-sex couples if these measures were to get full passage in both the state's House and Senate. Michigan's constitution which already bans same-sex marriage, defining marriage as “the union of one man and one woman,” states that the law is to provide “a special interest in encouraging, supporting, and protecting that unique relationship in order to promote, among other goals, the stability and welfare of society and its children.
Dievendorf said:
These current bills would prohibit public employers from providing health care benefits to partners of their employees (House Bill 4770) and to make such benefits a prohibited subject of bargaining (House Bill 4771). Dievendorf stated that Michigan might soon become one of the more hostile states towards same-sex couples if these measures were to get full passage in both the state's House and Senate. Michigan's constitution which already bans same-sex marriage, defining marriage as “the union of one man and one woman,” states that the law is to provide “a special interest in encouraging, supporting, and protecting that unique relationship in order to promote, among other goals, the stability and welfare of society and its children.
Dievendorf said:
“This attack on fairness and equality is unacceptable. Representative Agema has continued his blatant and unapologetic attacks on gay and transgender Michiganders. It’s sad to see this committee supporting him. These radical bills go a long way toward harming Michigan families, businesses and unions.
While these benefits are often used by both straight and gay couples, anti-gay lawmakers are specifically trying to deny gay couples the ability to care for their families. Hard-working state employees should be compensated appropriately, and that’s why these benefits are offered. Representative Agema’s radically biased social agenda is out of touch with Michigan values.
Public employers recognize the need to recruit and retain top talent. Treating gay and transgender employees fairly is an important step in remaining competitive. We expect our lawmakers to help our public institutions achieve success, not stand in the way of progress.”
Republicans on the committee also voted to make it illegal for any union to negotiate benefits for unmarried couples. The committee’s four Republicans easily outvoted the two Democrats – Timothy Bledsoe, (Grosse Pointe) and Lisa Brown, (West Bloomfield).
Dievendorf remarked:
"We’re grateful that Representative Lisa Brown and Tim Bledsoe recognised the danger these bills pose and voted against them."
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1 comments:
Just keep on passing regressive laws, and you will soon have another Nazi-like situation. The land of the free is rapidly turning into a land of the repressed.
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