It is expected that the U.S. Supreme will overturn the landmark Roe v Wade abortion rights law. When that happens, a 1931 Michigan law would criminalize this long held right to women’s reproductive choice unless it’s blocked in court. Planned Parenthood of Michigan has sued to oppose the 1931 law. A judge in the Michigan Court of Claims has already issued a preliminary injunction. However, the Michigan legislature has announced that it will support implementing the 1931 law. This challenge means that the important decision about women’s right to abortion in Michigan will likely be made in the Michigan Supreme Court. This is where it’s important to hear more faith voices through an amicus brief,
Faith leaders and leaders of other justice organizations are invited to sign our amicus brief. It affirms women’s right to an abortion and it challenges the practice of allowing extremist faith groups to dictate what we should we believe about when life begins. This matters! If life begins when the egg is fertilized that means that almost any abortion and even contraception could be banned! Research has shown that the majority of people from major faiths groups do believe that abortion should be legal all or most of the time. Letting extreme faith dictate what is legal amounts to religious discrimination. It also violates the long-held principle of separation of church and state.
An attorney for Planned Parenthood of Michigan (PPM) is fully supporting this amicus brief. He has reviewed and approved the concepts of our brief in attached document.
Click HERE for more details. You are invited to join the following organizations in standing up for women’s rights and opposing religious discrimination: Michigan Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Network, Inclusive Justice of Michigan and Jews for a Secular Democracy.
We are primarily inviting LEADERS of religious groups to become signatories but also LEADERS of other justice organizations may participate. You will have the opportunity to read the brief’s final form before signing. There will be no financial obligation on your part. We are requesting that you let us know of your interest by June 24, 2022.
1) Click here to let us know if you would be interested in adding your name to the amicus brief.
2) Once the amicus brief is finished, it will be sent to you for your review. At that time, you will be advised of a brief window of time to affirm your final approval.
Join us in supporting this amicus brief for women’s rights and religious justice!
Thank you for your consideration and response!
Randy Block, MUUSJN Director: randyblock@yahoo.com , 248-224-5572
Rev. Dr. Roland Stringfellow, Chair, Inclusive Justice: mccdpastor@gmail.com , 248-399-7741
Nomi Joyrich, Organizer, Jews for a Secular Democracy: nomi@jfasd.org , 248-497-1226
Ten mass shooting happened throughout the country last weekend! This plague of gun violence has become the leading cause of death among American children, according to Senator Dick Durban, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN ACT BILLS THAT INCLUDED THESE PROVISIONS:
The Protecting Our Children’s Act has been sent to the Senate Judiciary chaired by Senator Dick Durban. On June 15th, Senator Durbin is scheduled to hold a hearing that includes expert testimony on the impact of that gun violence has on children.
There is a bi-partisan group of Senators discussing ways to find “common ground” on gun violence reform in the Senate.
Encourage Senators Peters and Stabenow to join this bi-partisan group.
Getting gun violence reform adopted in the Senate with be an uphill battle!
There are Republicans, like Rep. Jim Jordan, who claim that gun violence reform tramples on “law-abiding Americans second amendment rights”.
Here’s a link to Mom’s Demand Action events in Michigan: https://momsdemandaction.org/events/
Another great information source: Michigan Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence
MUUSJN is an affiliate of this coalition.
Abortion rights must be protected: Congress must pass the WHPA Now!
However, the only way the WHPA can be adopted is if an exception is made for the filibuster rule that would require 60 votes in the Senate. These two Senators, if they allow a filibuster carveout, could make it possible for the WHPA to get adopted.
Call Sen. Kirsten Sinema, D-AZ. She’s a co-sponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act and has said that “a woman’s health care choices should be between her, her family and her doctor” and has said that “overriding Roe v. Wade endangers the health and well being of of women in Arizona and across America”. At the same time, Sinema voted against waiving the filibuster in other matters. Urge Senator Sinema to support her belief in women’s rights by allowing an exception to the filibuster so the Women’s Health Protection Act can be adopted. Call Sinema at her DC office or leave a message at her Phoenix, Arizona line: 1-602-598-7327.
Call Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska (see bottom picture above). She has said that the draft Supreme Court opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade is “shocking” and “unprecedented”. She further said that such an opinion would “create a need to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act. Tell Senator Murkowski to vote yes to allow an exception to the filibuster rule and vote yes on the WHPA. Call her in her DC office or leave a message at her Ankorage, Alaska line: 907-271-3735
According to a recent Gallup poll, 80% of Americans believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases. The majority of religious people oppose abortion. According a study from the Pew Research Center, more than 50% of people from the following religious groups say that abortion should be legal in all or most cases: Unitarian Universalism; Jewish; Buddhist; Episcopal; United Church of Christ; Hindu; Presbyterian; Evangelical Lutheran Church of America; African Methodist Episcopal Church; National Baptist Convention; Anglican Church; Muslim; and Orthodox Christian. Among Catholics, slightly more (48%) felt abortions should be legal vs. 47% illegal.
Thank Michigan Senators for being co-sponsors of the WHPA. CALL Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Senator Lisa Murkowski and tell them:
As you’re likely aware, Mother’s Day is Sunday. For the fourth year, MUUSJN is encouraging participation with MI Liberation for the Black Mama’s Bail Out!
More than a “bailout”, this yearly event has evolved into a quest for transformational change across the criminal legal system in Michigan. It is so exciting that since last year’s “bailout”, Washtenaw County has brought an end to cash bail! We are making progress! Statewide legislation was also re-introduced, a bi-partisan bill package: House Bills 5436-5443.
This year, we hope to get as many Mamas home to celebrate with their children as possible, but we need more help! We hope to get as many Mamas home by Sunday, but will continue over the next couple months, until we have exhausted all resources. We are putting priority on bailing out black mothers, however no one will be turned away, due to gender or race.
If you know someone who could benefit from this bailout. Please send their name and where they are in jail to Earl Burton at earl@miliberation.org
Do you have other ideas or resources to offer? Let me know and I’ll get you connected!
Thank you for your commitment in uniting families this Mother’s Day, and continuing to work for justice in our “Criminal Justice System”.
Here is a link to the very moving panel that MUUSJN, MI Liberation and the Advancement Project co-hosted last year. Women directly impacted and failed by the criminal legal system shared their stories and experiences. https://www.facebook.com/MichiganBlackMamasBailOut/videos/1588347188221343
With the leak of the impending SCOTUS decision, the alarms have been sounded! Due to a 1931 law that is still on our books, the moment that Roe is overturned, abortion will become a felony offense in Michigan. NOW is the moment for all of us to work to enshrine reproductive rights in the Michigan Constitution!
The Michigan Unitarian Universalists Social Justice Network (MUUSJN) has been partnering with Fems for Democracy to work on the Reproductive Freedom For All ballot initiative. We are also working on Promote the Vote, Raise the Wage and Good Time (criminal justice) ballot initiatives.
Can you help? Whether you can collect 5 signatures or 500, we need your help!
Shortly after you sign up, you will get the contact information for the petition distributor who lives closest to you.
If you are unable to collect signatures, we are also in need of people to help verify signatures. This is basic data entry and can be done from your own home. This is a great way to help if you don’t live in Michigan or can’t collect signatures for any other reason. To volunteer, please contact: Nomi Joyrich by email: nomijoyrich@gmail.com or call/text: 248-497-1226
We are available to come to your congregation or organization to talk about the ballot issues and how to get involved. Please contact Nomi Joyrich to arrange this. nomijoyrich@gmail.com
Let’s make the SCOTUS leak be the battle cry we need to mobilize!
For more information, please contact Nomi Joyrich nomijoyrich@gmail.com
This weekend demonstrators continued to protest the April 4th fatal shooting of Patrick Loyoya by a Grand Rapids police officer. This is another tragic example of police violence toward a Black man. This email also shares reflections of a UU minister from Grand Rapids and includes options for action.
Rev. Colleen Squires, minister of Grand Rapids All Souls Community Church of Western Michigan, told shared her thoughts about this incident on her church’s Facebook page. They are shared here for your information. Members of this congregation have been publicly demonstrating weekly in solidarity with Black Lives Matter activists for seven years.
My heart is with the family of Mr. Patrick Lyoya. This is a tragic loss of life of a young father of two little girls. I grieve for his parents, his friends, his community and our city. Patrick’s life matters.
This afternoon (April 13th) the graphic video was released showing Mr. Lyoya on the ground and being fatally shot in the back of his head. It is extremely difficult and upsetting to see this young man fully alive at the start of the video and just a few minutes later witness his lifeless body still and silent on the ground.
Keep in mind, this was a traffic stop and Mr. Layoya was unarmed. What prompted the officer to run the plates of this particular car is not clear. We as a community must name the over policing of the Black community and to continue to call out the racial bias that occurs in routine traffic stops.
As Unitarian Universalists we are called to demand justice and full accountability. In the days ahead many protests and rallies are planned. Each one is a call for justice, equity and accountability. People are angry and heartbroken. We fully support free speech, and we must also understand that people have a right to be angry and upset. I pray for the safety of all involved.
Many activists in Grand Rapids have been very vocal about warning city officials of this potential tragedy happening in our city. Beyond justice and accountability, we need sweeping policy and procedure changes moving towards valuing every human life. The events depicted in these videos do not warrant the loss of life.
Again, my deepest sympathies to the Lyoya family. May Patrick’s life continue to matter to all of us, may true and needed change occur. May justice and accountability be swift. May we own the white supremacy culture that exists in our city and may we work to eradicate it from our world.
-Rev. Colleen Squires
Write a short note to Grand Rapids city officials. Click HERE to write a letter that relays justice demands from the Loyoya family. NOTE: One of those demands has been met: release of video with pictures of the incident.
Also, you can donate through a Go Fund Me program to help with funeral expenses for Patrick Lyoya by clicking HERE.
Dear Justice Advocates:
The Michigan UU Social Justice Network (MUUSJN) is pleased to invite you to hear Senator Stephanie Chang speak at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 16th on “Michigan Tax Proposals: Who’s Helped? Who’s Hurt?”. This presentation shines a light on a tug or war of values between the Michigan legislature and the Governor’s office. MUUSJN, along with 10 other organizations, is co-sponsoring this event with Gray Panthers of Metro Detroit.
Click HERE for a flyer with more information. To RSVP Click HERE
At the urging of dozens of activist groups, Governor Gretchen Whitmer vetoed a $2.5 billion tax cut proposal by Michigan legislators on March 18th. She invited the legislators to join in formal negotiations.
The GOP’s two bill package is part of an ongoing debate about how to spend roughly $7 billion in federal pandemic relief and unexpected state revenue. The GOP plan would have rolled back personal income tax from 4.25% to 3.9%, would have increased the amount of retirement income that’s tax free and would have created a new $500 tax credit for each child or qualified dependent in a household.
However, critics argue it would primarily benefit the wealthy and at the expense of critical services. While both the GOP and the Governor proposed reducing taxes for older persons and for children, under the GOP plan, the state’s wealthiest residents would receive a nearly $5,000 rebate while lower income families would receive an average $12. The proposal would cut personal corporate income taxes and would force cuts to schools, roads, public safety, health care, housing, environmental protections and would jeopardize federal aid from the American Rescue Plan. State budget officials said the cuts would violate federal rules that forbid using COVID relief funds for tax cuts. So the debate goes on.
Learn more about this debate by hearing Senator Stephanie Chang describe the alternative tax cut visions and what’s at stake for people in Michigan. Senator Chang, a dynamic progressive legislator, is the Minority Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. She’s in a position to understand the dynamics of this battle. We are proud to say that Senator Chang is also a Unitarian Universalist.
Join President Susan Frederick-Gray, UU leaders, and partners to learn how you can show up for our UU values and communities in the critical midterm elections. Invite your congregation and social justice teams to join us for an exciting launch of UU the Vote 2022. bit.ly/UUtheVote2022Launch MUUSJN consultant Nomi Joyrich will speak about Michigan Ballot Issues at this national launch.
Michigan citizens have the opportunity to get involved with ballot initiatives that address major issues that affect people in our state. By getting involved with a one or more ballot campaigns, citizens can stand up for reproductive freedom; strengthen our right to vote; raise the minimum wage; and allow prisoners to return to the community sooner for good behavior.
MUUSJN is supporting FOUR ballot initiatives. Information in this action alert describes these proposals and tells how you can get involved.
As a partner with Fems for Democracy (FFD), MUUSJN is looking for more people to collect signatures and to be petition distributors! We especially need petition distributors in central, western and northern Michigan. Being a petition distributor is easy! You will receive bundles of petitions and the names of signature collectors who live near you. Local signature gatherers will get their petitions from you and return them to you. You will then return them to us using a pre-paid mailer.
Click HERE to use sign-up genius to let us know you’re interested in collecting signatures. Sign your name based on where you live. At the end of the sign up form, click the next link to indicate that you are with MUUSJN (there is a drop down menu to record that you’re working with us).
Please join Fems for Democracy for a training on Monday, April 11th at 6pm. This training is for people who are new to working on these petitions, as well as those who have already been collecting and have more questions. We will give an overview of the 4 ballots that we are supporting. Register in advance for this training: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrdu2hqDwsE9dhC8sx3lh1N09f7i_HoqDS
For those of you who are already collecting, here is a list of events across Michigan this weekend: Please sign up HERE if you intend to collect signatures so we can acknowledge your efforts!
The Michigan Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Network (MUUSJN) is supporting four ballot initiatives and needs your help. For a comprehensive look at all ballot initiatives, click HERE to see the Ballot Tracker article in Bridge Magazine. Four is a lot, but all are important and we’ll make it easier for you to support your efforts with some explanation.
MUUSJN is partnering with Fems for Democracy (FFD) a non-profit woman led organization. FFD will be handling the petition logistics. They are a one stop shop for all four ballot initiatives. They will either deliver petitions to you or put you in touch with a local distributor. They will provide you with return mailers for completed petitions. Most important, MUUSJN and FFD will provide training on signature gathering and specifics of the ballot proposals.
If you would like to help distribute petitions, collect signatures or just find a place to sign, go to the FFD Sign Up Genius link. Review the list of ballot communities, and click the place where you live. Then, at the end of this list, click the green “Submit and Sign-Up” button. Enter your name and contact information. Be sure to choose a drop down box menu on the form that indicates which organization invited you. Be sure to indicate that you are WITH MUUSJN.
We are supporting and seeking volunteers to help with the following ballot proposals:
No, when you sign up with MUUSJN and FFD, you can work on whatever initiatives you choose.
Every signature counts! Some volunteers will collect a few signatures. Others will collect hundred. Whatever you can do will help.
Please contact Nomi Joyrich: nomijoyrich@gmail.com 248-497-1226. She can help explain the details of the ballot initiatives and the signature collection process. If you want to be involved and you are unable to join Monday’s training, then please email Nomi. She will keep you posted about future trainings.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that he will introduce a vote this week — by January 17th — to reform the filibuster rules to allow votes on two critical voting reform bills. The Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act are needed to protect fair elections and American’s right to vote. This right to vote is the foundation of our democracy!
Michigan’s two Senators, Senator Debbie Stabenow and Senator Gary Peters, support voting rights and filibuster reform. Thank them!
Four other Senators need to hear from people in Michigan:
