LANSING –
Two conservative groups have put the new anti-bias legislation pending before the state Senate in their sights. The Citizens for Traditional Values and the American Family Association of Michigan both used e-mail and Web press releases late last week to rally foes of the new legislation to write and call their senators.
"Unfortunately we are a bit behind on this issue, and much to our disappointment it passed the House with a wide margin. The bill will be now taken up by the state Senate and we must take action. The legislature is currently in a lame duck session which means that there are a lot of items on the agenda before the end of the year," says a post from the CTV on the conservative Michigan Web site, www.rightmichigan.com. "The bill will be sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Dec. 2. They need to hear from you now!"
The bill passed the state House by an overwhelming majority last month and would increase prison time for persons convicted of bias crimes against people based on, among other things, sexual orientation, disability or veteran's status. The bill has been marshaled through the House by the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, law enforcement and progressive groups.
Derek Smiertka, executive director of Michigan Equality, said supporters need to act now as well.
"First, the LBGT community should thank their state representatives for passing this and showing their support," Smiertka said. "They really came out for us. Second, people need to call their senator and encourage them to vote yes on this issue."
Smiertka said AFA has been attacking the legislation since its introduction, but had stepped up the attacks since the House passage last month.
"They have continued on (with attacks) and they saw how much support it got in the house and see how much citizens are supporting it. Once they saw the passage in the House and the exuberance of the house members, even the Republicans, they stepped up their efforts," Smiertka added. "They have the biggest ace in the hole with a Republican controlled senate and conservative leadership. We are still hopeful though for movement by the end of the year."
Michigan anti-bias legislation in sights of AFA, CTV
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