By Dawn Wolfe Gutterman
DETROIT – In addition to nominating several fair-minded candidates to head its 2006 slate, the state's Democratic Party took another big step during its Aug. 26-27 convention.
Saying that Proposal 2 "adds discrimination to our State Constitution," the party has called for its repeal. In addition, as it did in 2004, the party's platform calls for a number of other progressive actions, including recognizing the adoption rights of same-sex couples and including LGBT citizens in the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act and MichiganÕs Ethnic Intimidation Act, which protect against employment discrimination and define hate crimes.
"I think that the party has realized that being inclusive of all people is the right thing to do, and particularly right for the LGBT community that has supported the party for all these years," said Bev Davidson, president of the Coalition for Adoption Rights Equality.
"It's great to hear and I hope they continue to move forward on this platform because it's important to recognize equal rights for all Michigan's citizens, including the LGBT community," said Doug Meeks, president of Michigan Equality. "It's a wonderful thing – I just hope and pray they follow through with that and continue on with promoting civil rights in the state of Michigan."
"Obviously, on the Proposal 2 issue the party has much better hindsight than they did foresight – it's regrettable that the party did not weigh in on Prop. 2 [in 2004], but I'm glad the party wants it gone," said Sean Kosofsky, a member of both the Democratic Party and of Triangle Pride PAC's elections committee. "Calling for the repeal of Proposal 2 is a bold move that we need to unify our state."
LGBT community leaders called on the community to support Democratic candidates in the 2006 election.
"This election is a huge election for civil rights in the state of Michigan, and the support of the LGBT community can make a huge difference," Meeks said.
And, given the severe rightward tilt of the Republican Party, Davidson stressed the importance of continuing to work with Democrats.
"I think that the LGBT community has had some anger toward the party the last few years – that is certainly understandable – but given the fact that our state government and our federal government has been controlled by the right wing faction of the Republican Party, the Democratic Party has had to take moderate steps in order to win back control," she said.
Party platforms are an expression of the "spirit" of the party and are not binding on individual candidates for office.
Contact the Dems
To contact the Michigan Democratic Party and comment on their call for a repeal of Proposal 2, which bars recognition of the marriage rights of same-sex couples, write to the Michigan Democratic State Central Committee,
606 Townsend, Lansing, MI, 48933; call (517) 371-5410, or visit the party's Web site at http://www.michigandems.com and click on "Contact Us" to send an e-mail.
Michigan's Dems make progress
Two years later, the Michigan Democratic Party has spoken out against Proposal 2. Language calling for repeal of the anti-marriage amendment is the only difference between the Party's 2004 and 2006 platforms.
2004 plank on LGBT rights:
We will vigorously promote measures that ensure the full civil rights of MichiganÕs lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) citizens. The Michigan Democratic Party supports the inclusion of LGBT persons in the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act and MichiganÕs Ethnic Intimidation Act. We support full
inclusion of LGBT families in the life of our State and seek equal responsibilities, benefits and protections for those families, including the right to adopt and raise children. Moreover, we oppose measures that aim to criminalize same-gender relationships and conduct.
2006 plank on LGBT rights:
We will vigorously promote measures that ensure the full civil rights of MichiganÕs lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) citizens. The Michigan Democratic Party supports the inclusion of LGBT persons in the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act and MichiganÕs Ethnic Intimidation Act. We support full inclusion of LGBT families in the life of our State and seek equal responsibilities, benefits and protections for those families, including the right to adopt and raise children. We call for the repeal of 2004 Proposition 2 which adds discrimination to our State Constitution. Moreover, we oppose measures that aim to criminalize same-gender relationships and conduct.
