Ann Arborites heading to state Capitol today to protest Michigan's domestic partner benefits ban
Sandi Smith says she'll be among the crowd of gay rights activists demonstrating on the steps of the state Capitol today in protest of Michigan's new domestic partner benefits ban.
The openly gay Ann Arbor City Council member is expecting allies from across the state to join her and several dozen others from Washtenaw County in expressing opposition to the recent signing of House Bill 4770 by Gov. Rick Snyder.
The law bans public employers in Michigan from offering health insurance and other benefits to the live-in partners of their employees.
Sandi Smith
Representatives of the Jim Toy Community Center, an Ann Arbor-based resource for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents, are mobilizing demonstrators.
Smith, the group's communications chair, said there are a number of people attending the rally from the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor as well.
Despite assurances the ban doesn't apply to state universities — an issue still being debated — those planning to protest today say the legislation still hurts many Michigan families by denying benefits to the family members of school teachers and state and local government employees, including a number of city of Ann Arbor employees.
"They really feel like they've been betrayed by the governor," Smith said of people who are losing their benefits.
Smith said she personally doesn't have any benefits in jeopardy.
"In some ways, it very much is about the benefits, but really it's a message of hate," she said of her reasons for protesting. "And if we're going to go forward in Michigan, we need to stop doing this. We're going to lose talented people because of this and we can't afford to do that."
Also going to the rally is Ypsilanti resident Gail Wolkoff, a former teacher who a year and half ago started a company called Dedicated to Make a Change, which works with youth in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. She also serves on the board of the Jim Toy Community Center.
"To me, giving a message from the government that different family structures and different groups of people are not welcome in our state promotes a lack of respect and a lack of confidence in youth that potentially come from same-sex or different family structures," she said. "The message is we don't accept you and we don't want you and your parents."
In an interview last week with AnnArbor.com, Snyder commented on his motivations for signing the ban into law, blaming the Michigan Civil Service Commission for "starting an economic argument during the budget crisis" by adding domestic partner benefits for some employees.
Asked whether he is concerned the ban could hurt cities' ability to recruit talent, Snyder said "it would really be more in the university context that would be the area of greatest concern — and also they're autonomous, so they’re supposed to be able to make their own decision."
Smith said she has tried to reach out to Snyder by phone and email several times over the past several months and all she got was an automated response saying he's busy.
"I find him disrespectful about the whole thing," she said.
Also expected to attend today's rally is 81-year-old Jim Toy, who is considered the first openly gay man in Michigan and also the co-author of Ann Arbor's non-discrimination policy in regard to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.
He's also co-founder of the Ann Arbor Gay Liberation Front and the first office at any university in the world devoted to sexual orientation concerns, the Lesbian-Gay Male Programs Office at the University of Michigan, which is now known as the Spectrum Center.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
Booradley
Fri, Jan 20, 2012 : 1:03 a.m.
I don't believe tax dollars should be going to support gay or even straight people that live together as couples. Either gays get a legal union or a man and woman should marry in order to collect any benefits -- the same ways its been done for decades.
cooperwe
Thu, Jan 19, 2012 : 4:17 p.m.
According to recent polls married hetrosexual couples are in the minority, based on the logic presented by BS3, I think we should abandon benefits for married couples. I am tired of my taxpayer dollars going to support special rights for a minority few. I think it is okay to discriminate against a minority group of bigoted married people because I don't share their values. I would never be a part of a group that believes in writing discrimination into a state constitution and think taxpayers shouldn't support such a hateful group that chooses to hide behind the "law." Of course, the law has never been wrong before has it?
snapshot
Thu, Jan 19, 2012 : 4:47 a.m.
I pay taxes to support these programs that I can't participate in. I pay but I can't play. Is that fair? should someone without healthcare be paying taxes to provide healthcare to a privileged few government employees?
BornNRaised
Fri, Jan 20, 2012 : 11:11 p.m.
You pay taxes for police and fire too. Does that mean you should be able to take a cop car out whenever you want and play with the 'toys'? "should someone without healthcare be paying taxes to provide healthcare to a privileged few government employees?" Should someone w/o a cop car be paying taxes to provide cars to a privileged few government employees? Sounds pretty dumb when it's phrased like that, eh?
Meg
Thu, Jan 19, 2012 : 2:59 p.m.
Do you think I don't pay taxes? In fact, when gay families can be covered, we pay taxes on the value of the benefits, which straight families do not. So, essentially, we're taxed on an extra $15K a year that we never see. We all pay taxes for things we don't use. People without children pay for schools. People who don't drive pay for the roads. People who don't go to the library pay for those. It's a social contract.
Sparty
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.
Not to worry, Americans across the country now view same-sex marriage positively and would vote for it. The largest States in the US already have (NY, CA and 6 others already have, several others have civil unions, etc.). The vast majority already approve same-sex benefits, placing Michigan in the backwaters of history. Change is coming. 70% of Fortune 500 companies offer Domestic Partner Benefits to their employees because they view it as a business necessity to keep and attract the best and brightest employees. Most Americans under age 35 view same-sex issues as key civil rights issues and would vote them at rates near 90%. Change is coming. Fourteenth Amendment issues are in several US Appellate Courts now, raising the likelihood that the issue will get to the Supreme Court or be settled by an Appelllate decision, likely in the 9th Circuit, possibly making gay marriage legal across the country (invalidating the defense of marriage act) if the Supreme Court refuses to hear an appeal. Change is coming. In Michigan, the Domestic Partner Health Benefit Ban is before a Clinton appointee in the US District Court. Change will come there or will be appealed to the Circuit Court of Appeals. Change will come.
Basic Bob
Thu, Jan 19, 2012 : 8:05 a.m.
While I agree with your position, I disagree with your reasoning. Don't give me that "best and brightest" stuff unless you can prove that gays are statistically better and brighter than the rest of the population. And who cares what the Fortune 500 do? If they are so great, go work there and forget about what benefits come with the government job.
Sparty
Thu, Jan 19, 2012 : 3:19 a.m.
Have. Nice trip, BS!
The Black Stallion3
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 10:50 p.m.
Maybe that change will be the moving vans leaving Michigam
rusty shackelford
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:55 p.m.
Wasn't Snyder just boasting about a budget surplus? So why is this "cost saving" measure necessary, again?
Kade
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:54 p.m.
You know, I have found that no matter how much reason and how many facts you present on same-sex issues on this site (and you can look up my profile and see what I've contributed, if you really need to) no opponent ever listens to reason. They're just looking for a fight. Don't give it to them. Ignorance and a misplaced sense of self-injury is the only weapon they employ.
The Black Stallion3
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 10:49 p.m.
Oh but you are so wrong rusty, it does have a bearing on the American tax payers
rusty shackelford
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:56 p.m.
You're right. It's strange how much a few people care about something that has literally no bearing on them.
Kade
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:55 p.m.
"...*are* the only weapons they employ."
T
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:27 p.m.
I don't want to pay for any partners benifits. We as tax payers should pay for only the employee. If they want a spouse, partner or family it should come from the empoyee. end of story, end of argument.
rusty shackelford
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:17 p.m.
Can someone please glitterbomb Snyder? Most amusing form of protest ever.
The Black Stallion3
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:24 p.m.
I have to go now rusty.....I have a march to attend, talk to you later.
The Black Stallion3
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:20 p.m.
Keep your cool rusty
The Black Stallion3
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:10 p.m.
I support Rick and what he is doing as Governor, we the people elected him and he is our Governor. Please respect the Democratic way of doing business here in Michigan and if you want change do it by your vote.
Meg
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 8:45 p.m.
BS, you do understand the difference between "democratic" (adjective describing a specific political system) and "Democratic" (proper noun referring to an American political party), right? If not, let me tell you how unintentionally hilarious your last post was.
rusty shackelford
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7 p.m.
Hoo boy, made the mistake of reading these comments, I feel like I lost about 10 IQ points. Smith may be a terrible councilperson, but that doesn't change the fact that this bill was a gratuitous slap in face to the citizens of Michigan. It's worse for LGBT people, of course, but this bill is bad for straight residents of MI, too. Now we're all smeared by association with these bigots. That Snyder showed his cowardice here is no surprise. His quote re: universities is telling. If you're rich and educate, he cares about your rights. A working class gay person? He'd probably be happier if you left the state.
Audion Man
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:07 p.m.
I hate the trolls- but the "conversation guidelines" such as they are- seem to favor them. You'll lose a mere 10 IQ points, if you're lucky...
Terri
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 6:53 p.m.
I'd like to know when we vote on benefits for opposite-sex couples who are married. For that matter, I'd like to propose that we put to a vote how many "marriages" you get to have. Maybe you are entitled to have your first spouse insured as part of your compensation, but your third? Fourth? And what about the social security all of those former spouses get to collect? When do we vote on that?
rusty shackelford
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:15 p.m.
The only consoling thing I can think of is that this kind of thing really does seem like the last throes of desperate bigots who know their time is coming to an end. 2004 was a huge legal setback for gay rights, but polling etc has shown a big change in Americans' views (at least nationally) on marriage since then. More young people who didn't grow up hating gays can vote now, and old people have seen some states implement marriage without Satan destroying them, and stopped caring so much.
HappilyRetired
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 5:51 p.m.
Many years ago African Americans were considered property, then spent years and years being treated as less than white people. It was thanks to protesters that eventually African Americans were given the same rights as white Americans. The reason America treated blacks differently was fear and hate. Same reason we treat gays, Muslims, etc. differently...hate and fear. Hopefully those brave protesters will eventually be responsible for our society treating gays with the same respect as WASPS. Ann Arborites like to view themselves as liberals but in my experience, there are a lot of conservatives with a liberal veneer and a lot of people who hate and fear those who are different than they are. This is an example of that hate and fear. Such a shame...when will we start valuing everyone's differences?
rusty shackelford
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:09 p.m.
I agree, though in my experience, most A2ers are genuinely fine with gay people, a few odious comments here notwithstanding. It's poor and/or black people who make them "vaguely uncomfortable"
A2Boiler
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 6:43 p.m.
Michigan law preventing gay marriage....no real difference from Jim Crow laws...
newsboy
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 5:47 p.m.
We should ban all benefits for public and privet employees. Where benefits are absent, wages would be raised and taxed to reflect this change. If you needed to insure dependents you would simply choose for yourself, how much to spend and where. We could eliminate whole departments of people who manage benefits for employers. Employers would not be able to control how employees spend their money or hold the employees as captives. This would eliminate the gay/straight, those who have an imaginary friend/ intelligent mind arguments. This would truly be free market reform.
The Black Stallion3
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 5:39 p.m.
I am amazed that this political reporter, Ryan J. Stanton, of the Ann Arbor News, is allowing commentors to call a political party the party of "Hate" because they do not agree with the commentors views, and get away with this.
The Black Stallion3
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 10:45 p.m.
Now I understand rusty, I do feel sorry for you, enjoy your trip to Mexico.
rusty shackelford
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:29 p.m.
I'm not an American. I'm actually a Mexican hoping to gay-marry my boyfriend so I can stay in the country and get in on his welfare checks while sending our kid to public school at your expense.
The Black Stallion3
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:22 p.m.
Well rusty......you do have that right as an American......good luck
rusty shackelford
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:21 p.m.
Wow, I can think of a number of groups who were given that same message by various regimes throughout history.
The Black Stallion3
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:16 p.m.
So Rusty.....You want it your way no matter what......Do you not believe in democracy? Feel free to roam about the world and find a better place for you and your loved ones.....no one will stop you.
rusty shackelford
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:12 p.m.
Actually yes, because if you and your "majority" (though I dispute that notion) had your way, I and almost everyone I know would probably be in some kind of camp.
The Black Stallion3
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:06 p.m.
Are you afraid that my opinion might represent the majority of Americans and therefor not support your minority opinions?
rusty shackelford
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:01 p.m.
I'm amazed that anyone is bothering to respond to your continuous trolling.
Audion Man
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 6:53 p.m.
Just because you smile and say "please" and "thank you" while you do something hateful, does not mean you are not, in fact, hateful. Your responses come off as hateful- Black Stallion3- like smugly telling someone that their marriage in Iowa does not count. Sounds hateful to me.
The Black Stallion3
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 5:58 p.m.
I do not honor someones right to call a complete party "A Party of hate" Just as you should not honor someone calling your party the same.
dane
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 5:51 p.m.
just as you have a right to comment on this issue be it for or against, so do those who made those statements you seem to disagree with. I do not share any of your views and concider them to be very short sided and extremely biased but I will however defend your RIGHT to say them please honor others right to freedom of speach!!!!!
Sandman
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 5:18 p.m.
There is a hidden message in the law and I believe the majority are not seeing it. Shared benefits are meant to be for a truly committed couple and his/her legal dependants, within any given restrictions. Live-in couples have no publicly announced obligation to stay together, like marriage. Insurance and medical bills are darn expensive and my tax dollars should not be used to fund live-in partners insurance plans. I am for this law, as long as marriage is open to all couples regardless of their sexual orientation. My belief is that Gov. Snyder will also support an open marriage law, but he can not publicly bring it up because of his political position. Michigan can become the next state to allow the "Gay Marriage" thing to pass.
Meg
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 9:36 p.m.
So, define "truly committed"? Does,say, Britney Spears's 55-hour marriage qualify? Because under Michigan state law, it does. There's no requirement of length of marriage, only that one is married. Does that really make sense? Also, it's not a "Gay Marriage thing". It's just marriage.
The Black Stallion3
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 4:42 p.m.
Sorry, the law is what it is and why should it be abandoned for only a certain few? This is a Democracy and the laws reflect the will of the people, the majority rules in America. There are other countries that may favor your view and as an American you are free to pursue living in those country's. Good luck
cooperwe
Thu, Jan 19, 2012 : 1:08 p.m.
According to recent polls married hetrosexual couples are in the minority, based on your logic I think we should abandon benefits for married couples. I am tired of my taxpayer dollars going to support special rights for a minority few. I think it is okay to discriminate against a minority group of bigoted married people because I don't share their values. I would never be a part of a group that believes in writing discrimination into a state constitution and think taxpayers shouldn't support such a hateful group that chooses to hide behind the "law." Of course, the law has never been wrong before has it?
Sparty
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 8:10 p.m.
No, the majority doesn't rule .... the Constitution rules. And the Courts will determine whether the law meets the requirements of the Constitution soon. Not the repub lackey State courts here in Michigan, but the Federal Courts will rule.
dane
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 4:08 p.m.
as i read some of these comments I am very saddend at the hatred and discrimination right here in my very backyard. How would you feel if your insurance or other benefits were canceled because you were left handed or had brown hair, something of course you have no control over we are not asking for special rights, just equal rights. We are vital,productive members of this society, we pay taxes same as everyone else yet are still not afforded the same/equal rights.This is a slap in the face to hard working people who just wish to live in peace.
rusty shackelford
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:28 p.m.
I agree. Perhaps we should propose a bill so that all Asian people have to be kicked off WIC. It will save money, right? And it isn't arbitrary or discriminatory at all.
The Black Stallion3
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 6:55 p.m.
Well dane.......The reason I do not steal, do drugs, run around naked and many more things is because it is not legal in Michigan....why should you be the exception? Please remember that in a Democratic society we must follow the laws that our elected officials pass. This should not be too hard to follow, I hope.
Michigan Man
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 5:49 p.m.
Dane = It is the LGBT crowd that is hating on those with a different opinion - not the other way around = kind of like the 1% hating on the 99%, using another analogy.
dane
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 5:44 p.m.
well Mr. Black Stallion3 Im not married only because it is not legal in Michigan, again yet another example of discrimination. If I could I would be married to my life partner of 11 years.
The Black Stallion3
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 4:28 p.m.
You are not married and therefore not entitled according to Michigan law
Meg
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 3:02 p.m.
Mike, if you can come up with a reason not to include gay families in family coverage that isn't based in fear and/or hatred of us, your argument might actually be a relevant one. But there isn't any evidence in the literature that my marriage in any way impacts yours, so fear and hate appear to be all you've got.
Meg
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 8:39 p.m.
And Mike, I do hope your "gay friends" know you're using them in an internet argument, but don't think they deserve full constitutional rights. Because that's something you'd want to know about your "friends".
Meg
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 8:38 p.m.
And until Loving v. Virginia, it was illegal to marry a person of another race. See how asinine that seems now? So will discriminating against my marriage.
Mike
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 8:23 p.m.
@Meg - my answer is simple, it is the law and not recognizing your marriage was voted upon. I don't have anything against gay couples and know a number of them, and I'm not afraid of them and don't hate them. I don't label you as immoral please don't label me as hateful and afraid, you don't even know me. This is the law of this state, sorry.
deb
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 8:03 p.m.
@ Black Stallion, you are entitled to your opinion, but please try to check your statements before you speak. "michigan does not recognize a license from Iowa," is 100% wrong. Meg already pointed out the full faith and credit clause, but its the same reason that once you are licensed to drive in MIchigan you don't have to get an Ohio license too while you are passing through.
rusty shackelford
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:27 p.m.
Haha, Meg & Terri, I wish we could be friends.
Meg
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:21 p.m.
BS, that's an interesting point. Wrong-headed, but interesting. The Constitution's full faith and credit clause requires states to recognize marriage contracts from other states. Otherwise you'd have to get married again in each new state. I trust you're not in favor of that for straight couples, right? Am I entitled to less Constitutional protection than are you? If so, why? I'll be over here, waiting for a cogent argument. I'm hoping not to die before you can come up with one, but I'm pretty young, so you might have a shot.
Terri
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 6:51 p.m.
Yes. We're married. Why does that freak you out so much, BS?
The Black Stallion3
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 4:27 p.m.
Meg....You are in Michigan now....Michigan does not recognize a license from Iowa....Sorry
Meg
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 3:47 p.m.
You bet I'm married. I have the license from Johnson County, IA, to prove it.
The Black Stallion3
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 3:17 p.m.
You say your married?
xmo
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 2:51 p.m.
In 2004, the people of the State of Michigan vote that a marriage is between a man and a women! Now this silly minority want to over turn the "WILL OF THE PEOPLE" to their own financial benefit. What a bunch of self centered, greedy people these protesters are!
Meg
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 9:34 p.m.
Mike, does your job provide you with insurance? When you work for the state, the government is your employer. It's a standard benefit, not a special privilege.
ZooWolverine
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 9:31 p.m.
@Mike How dare someone feel "entitled" to equal treatment under the law! Unless the state would like to strip all spouses and partners of insurance benefits, this is an unjust law because it treats a minority group differently based on nothing but an inherent characteristic. Your examples only reinforce how wrong your point is: everyone is required to not drink and drive, and that requirement is because drinking and driving kills other people. On the other hand, only gays and lesbians are losing insurance for their committed partners, despite the fact that providing such insurance has a negligable financial impact. Equal treatment for a good reason is not the same as unequal treatment for hardly any reason at all. I hope anyone who is on the fence about gay marriage is paying attention to this law and the ramifications of not permitting gay marriage. Domestic partnerships were created in an attempt to respect gay and lesbians couples while not allowing marriage. Clearly it's not successful: separate is not equal.
Mike
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 8:18 p.m.
@terri - why does the government have to supply you with tax payer insurance? Many people have to buy yheir own. The entitlement mentality is breaking this country. The people of this state have already spoken that they don't want to recognize this type of marriage, so that means if you live here you buy your own insurance. Fair and just has nothing to do with it. Is it fair and just that I have to stop 10 times on Plymouth Road for people that don't know how to cross the street? Is it fair and just that I can't drink and drive? Is it fair that I can't speed? Answer to all is no, but it is the law..........
Terri
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 6:49 p.m.
You cannot be serious. I'm "self-centered" and "greedy" because I'd like to be able to insure my kids? I suppose I'll just take my kids to the ER when they're congested. Because that's more financially sound, right?
Mike
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 3:02 p.m.
The will of the people does not matter to the "progressives". There are other ways to make changes, for example using the court systems to make laws. Also marching on the governors house and trying to intimidate him and his family and neighbors. Who's the haters??????????
Mike
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 2:42 p.m.
"In some ways, it very much is about the benefits, but really it's a message of hate," Can't the left ever frame a discussion without using the words hate, homophobe, racist, etc? Have a discussion based on logic and facts and leave the labeling and hand wringing emotion at home ....
Terri
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 10:08 p.m.
I know what he meant. My answer is still correct.
Usual Suspect
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:04 p.m.
"I frame discussions that aren't hateful, homophobic or racist in other ways all the time" I think he meant with people whose opinions are not exactly the same as your own.
Usual Suspect
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:02 p.m.
"Can't the left ever frame a discussion without using the words hate, homophobe, racist, etc?" No.
Terri
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 6:47 p.m.
I frame discussions that aren't hateful, homophobic or racist in other ways all the time. So, yes, "the left" can and does. Next?
tdw
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 5:35 p.m.
No they can't. If you ever disagree with the left on anything you are hateful
Mike58
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 2:28 p.m.
What a hypocrite! " Smith said she has tried to reach out to Snyder by phone and email several times over the past several months and all she got was an automated response saying he's busy". I have written several emails to Council person, Sandi Smith, and she has never responded to me! I'm in her ward! Maybe you have to show respect to get respect Sandi!
Audion Man
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 6:57 p.m.
Oh boy! Empty anecdote! Thanks for wasting space, Mike58. I wrote an email to Sandi Smith and not only did she answer it, she drove to my house and cooked me dinner!
cinnabar7071
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 3:31 p.m.
I love it! This is classic gov't at its best.
The Black Stallion3
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 2:41 p.m.
Very good point Mike
The Black Stallion3
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 1:58 p.m.
I do not think my tax dollars should go to support unmarried partners and therefore I agree with the Governor.
Terri
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 8:38 p.m.
Do you think that your tax dollars should go to pay the ER costs of the people you don't want to insure because you're afraid?
Sparty
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 8:03 p.m.
in that case, I don't want my tax dollars supporting the spouses and children of married state employees.
racerx
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 2:59 p.m.
Would have to agree. Change the law to become married, then we have a case.
jcj
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 1:37 p.m.
@ lorie Really? You don't lose respect UNTIL you commit a CRIME? I have now lost all respect for your opinion! Even though it is not a crime for you to express your opinion.
Sparty
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:55 p.m.
Hopefully the Federal US District Court will issue a ruling soon so that an injunction is placed on the hateful, discriminatory bill or an immediate appeal to the US Circuit Court of Appeals can be filed.
Adam Jaskiewicz
Thu, Jan 19, 2012 : 12:02 a.m.
What treats people differently is banning gay marriage. Fix that, and this bill is a non-issue. Concentrating on this is a waste of energy.
Meg
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 9:47 p.m.
@ T, religion and political party are both choices. Should they not be protected, because they're choices? This is about treating one group differently. That's not acceptable under the Constitution (check the 14th Amendment if you're unclear), or under multiple Supreme Court decisions.
Sparty
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 8:02 p.m.
You don't think it's hateful to remove health care benefits from children the week of Christmas? How about one of their parents, the partner of the same-sex employee? How about removing anybody from health care benefits with no notice the week of Christmas without any time to find alternate coverage?
T
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 7:48 p.m.
or not. I'm not anti gay or racist, but the time and money(taxpayer money) spent on this is a joke. Marital status and family is a personal choice, why should the taxpayers spend more for an employee because of their personal choice.
Mike
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 2:44 p.m.
hateful???????? Reminds me of kids when they don't get their way with their parents and they say I hate you or you must hate me.....maybe these folks never grew up............
Adam Jaskiewicz
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:34 p.m.
In my opinion, this is the worst thing Snyder has done in his term. I support his changes to emergency financial manager powers, I support the tax changes, and I still support Snyder overall, but I can't get behind this. Sure, we can say it's a "budget" thing or to "prevent fraud", but until Michigan recognizes gay marriages, there's no other way for someone to extend their benefits to their partner. If gays could marry, they wouldn't need "domestic partner benefits". Fix the marriage issue and I would support this legislation.
lordhelmet
Thu, Jan 19, 2012 : 10:15 a.m.
If this is the "worst thing" then Snyder is doing a fantastic job. A non issue that effects almost nobody except a few loudmouth whiners who demand their free lunches. Sorry, but the taxpayers shouldn't be giving out free rides to roommates. Do what you want in your private life, but fund it yourself!
Meg
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 3 p.m.
I don't think Iowa is known for being a hotbed of liberalism, Mike. Nor is it particularly "broke" -- but Michigan sure is. So homophobia isn't protecting the economy so much, is it?
Mike
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 2:46 p.m.
It's legal in some states; most of them are pro-everything and broke..................and last I checked it is legal to move to any one of them
Basic Bob
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:11 p.m.
The whole disrespect thing rubs me the wrong way. Whatever happened to the idea that respect is earned? Now it has to be granted automatically just because you are a member of a protected class.
Mike
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 2:47 p.m.
@lorie - you are incorrect; haven't you jeard of hate crimes. They only apply to everyone except caucasian males
Michigan Man
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 2:17 p.m.
BB - totally with you - respect is earned, not demanded. Those who complained about a lack of respect afforded to their particular status are often a minority element who are just pissed off that they have been unable to convince the majority about the value of their own set of convictions.
pseudo
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:59 p.m.
Basic - you have no idea what you are talking about - LGBT people are not a protected class. Not at the Federal Level and not at the state level. Now maybe I am wrong on this but could sworn (in fact, have sworn) that in this country respect was granted to everyone (all men being created equal and all that) until someone committed a crime.
Homeland Conspiracy
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:58 p.m.
Respect should be given. Then it's up to you to lose it or keep it.
Alan Goldsmith
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 11:54 a.m.
Yeah, Snyder, it's was just a BUDGET issue.
Alan Goldsmith
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 11:53 a.m.
Governor Rick Snyder--a coward, on the wrong side of history. ""They really feel like they've been betrayed by the governor," Smith said of people who are losing their benefits." Maybe Council Member Smith should look at her fellow Democrats who've supported the Governor lock, stock and barrel and are quiet as church mice when it comes to condemning him in ways other than passing a 'resolution'. Re: Ann Arbor's Mayor, Conan Smith, et. al.
lordhelmet
Thu, Jan 19, 2012 : 10:14 a.m.
GIMME, GIMME, GIMME our benefits! Alan, you are on the side of GREED! The taxpayers can't afford more free lunches. Sorry. Especially for gays who earn MORE (on average) than straight people or single moms. You're on the wrong side of history and the wrong side of reason, pal.
Sparty
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 10:46 p.m.
Anybody could create a surplus by cutting education, every safety net program, local government program, reducing unemployment benefits, increasing taxes on everyone, taxing senior pensions, etc. And by the way, unemployment has come down primarily due to the auto industry growth which is due almost entirely to Obama saving the industry over the objections of republicans.
Mike
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 2:49 p.m.
Maybe we should look at the falling unemployment and the budget surplus; he was elected to fix our financial house and he's doing that. He's done more in one year than Granholm has in eight.
A Pretty Ann Arbor
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 11:49 a.m.
Probably the only time Sandi Smith and I will agree on something...March on!