Justice News Updates: 2023

By MUUSJN on Saturday, November 25th, 2023

REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE 

  • Advocated to: 
    • Overturn 1931 abortion law – Done! 
    • Ban use of conversion therapy – Done! 
    • End child marriage in Michigan – Done! 
  • In 2023, MUUSJN worked with its Interfaith Reproductive Justice Coalition to advocate for passage of the Michigan Reproductive Health Act. Nine of the 11 bills were adopted by the Michigan legislature and was signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in November 2023.

RACIAL JUSTICE 

  • Challenging racism through education, action alerts, and legislative advocacy 
  • Launching “Partnering with Native Justice” project
  • Supporting congregations’ 8th Principle / anti-racism, anti-oppression work 
  • Exploring anti-racism/anti-oppression practices for MUUSJN governance 

LGBTQ+ JUSTICE 

  • Organized a statewide conference to promote Inclusive Justice for LGBTQ+ people in faith communities.
  • After years of advocating for amendment of the Elliot Larsen Civil Rights Act …. Done! 
  • With Inclusive Justice, conducted webinar series exploring LGBTQ+ spirituality & justice advocacy, genders of God, punk theology, and disability justice 
  • Supporting Welcoming Congregation renewal efforts
  • Publishing “Welcome In!” monthly newsletter 

WATER & ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

  • Serving on a water legislation committee supporting recently-introduced water affordability bills for Michigan 
  • Partnering with Michigan Alliance for Justice in Climate (MAJIC) to monitor and take positions on environmental justice issues. 
  • Supporting congregations’ Green Sanctuary efforts 

ECONOMIC JUSTICE

  • Advocated for expansion of Earned Income Tax Credit – Done! 
  • Supported lawsuit against State of Michigan demanding that the law requiring paid leave be put into effect 
  • In coalition with Michigan Liberation, working to reform the cash bail system & support Black Mamas Bailout program 

VOTER ENGAGEMENT 

  • Advocating for policies and legislation to protect voting rights 

ENDING GUN VIOLENCE 

  • Advocated for universal background checks, safe storage laws, red flag laws in Michigan – Done!
So much more to do!

Category: Accomplishments, News, Newsletter |