Capitol Correspondent
LANSING- Late Tuesday, more than a 150 people rallied on the steps of the state capitol to send one clear message: Restore Domestic Partner Benefits now.
"I hope this rally achieves public attention on a devestating issue for our community. The court of appeals blindly made a decision without the consequences in focus, leaving thousands of Michigan families stranded and soon to be without medical insurance. Now we are taking this case to the court of public opinon," said Derek Smiertka, executive director of Michigan Equality.
The rally, organized by UofM School of Social Work, The Michigan Consortium of Higher Education GLBT Centers, and Michigan Equality, along with twenty five other partners included a number of speakers.
Floretta King of the UofM Ann Arbor LBGT Center told those gathered, "I am sad and angry because my family is impacted. Michigan has managed to pass, in a very short time, anti-affirmative action and knock down benefits. I am not feeling welcome in Michigan."
Todd Tennis, an Ingahm County Commissioner where domestic partner benefits are currently offered said, "I am proud, very proud to be part of a county commission that has offered benefits for many years. Ingham county will do everything in its power to keep domestic partner benefits. I hope you all feel very welcome in Ingham County because we all support you."
"Every challenge is an opportunity. Let us look at this as an opportunity to fix the moral bankruptcy of Proposal 2 and the court's injustice," said David Hecker, president of the American Federation of Teachers Michigan. Hecker has worked hard as an advocate to educate the public on the issues surrounding Proposal 2, 2004, and volunteered during the 2004 campaign.
Nancy English, executive assistant to the board of Michigan Equality, looking back at the captiol said, "Senator Alan Cropsy, I hope you and your family are enjoying the many benefits you have as a result of working against us." Then turning to the crowd and on the verge of tears she added, "I will tell you, stay committed, don't become complacent, we will win, bet your life on it."
Yi-Li Wu, a rally particpant from Ann Arbor came with her 8 year old daughter. Wu is on the faculty at Albion College and her husband works at UofM.
"We know a lot of families that are affected. Social justice is an important issue, particularly for those of us who have been treated less that a full human being. As an Asian American living in Michigan, I feel that really strongly."
Sean Kosofsky, policy director for the Triangle Foundation, had the crowd yelling as he asked questions in a style reminiscent of a revival including, "Are youtired of the courts? Are you tired of the hypocrits?" to which the crowd yelled back, "Hell yes!"
Following the rally, participants carrying signs and placards with sayings such as "Health care is a family value," "Thumbs Down to 'justice'," "Benefits for all Families," "Unequal benefits equals poor economy," walked the five blocks west to the Michigan Hall of Justice to present their petition to the Supreme Court and the Appeals Court.
"No more lies, all families matter," was chanted as they marched to the Hall of Justice.
As Penny Gardner of Coaltion for Adoption Rights (CARES) said, "Even in the face of our second class status, we pledge alliegiance to the United States of America."
– filed with assistance of Susan Horowitz.
