How to Be an Advocate for Same Sex Marriage in Michigan

Whether you are gay or lesbian, or just support the rights of your fellow citizens, and you live in Michigan, there are things that you can do to advocate gay marriage. Step up and make a change.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Writing materials and stamps

1. Write letters to your congressional representatives and senators. You also can leave messages for legislators in the Senate by calling [phone]. Or call the House of Representatives at [phone]. Phone on days when legislation is imminent.
   
   

2. Use the Human Rights Campaign's action center (see Resources) to send messages to your representatives.

3. Visit the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Web site (see Resources below) and volunteer or join its "Monitor and Mobilize" team. You can also use the site to track events and access publications.

4. Visit the Michigan ACLU Web site (see Resources). The ACLU is an active combatant in the fight for gay rights. Through the organization's site, you can track bills and access links to Michigan legislators.
   
   

5. Don't just talk or write, act. When you hear about a rally supporting or opposing same-sex marriage or gay rights, organize a group and attend. If you plan to protest, contact the local media, especially "Michigan Pride Source" (see Resources), a weekly publication that targets a gay audience.

[JWinston]

on 3/18/2008 The first step is to STOP referring to it as GAY MARRIAGE! We advocate for Civil Unions (a marriage is a ceremony performed exclusively by a church or religious ceremony) It is not up to government to have a say in church doctrine. If a church would perform a marriage, then it would be gay marriage. What we are advocating for is a same-sex CIVIL UNION and for government and corporate (insurance, etc.) entities to recognize the union legally. The RIGHT WING ZEALOTS have framed the issue as GAY MARRIAGE in order to propagate their LIE that allowing same sex unions (marriages) would invalidate the sanctity of a traditional marriage. It is a typical scare tactic. The first thing that we need to do to advocate for same sex unions is to change the messaging and control the tone of the issue. By parroting the scare language of the right wing, we are gaining NO ground for the cause!