MI ACLU Action Alert: Do unmarried people deserve health benefits? Say "yes" today.

Dear Friend,

Yesterday afternoon the ACLU received the disheartening news that unmarried couples in Michigan must continue their fight for health benefits.*

The Michigan Supreme Court ruled against 21 unmarried couples, represented by the ACLU of Michigan, who went to court to protect the health benefits they have worked hard to earn as employees of public schools, city governments and other public employers.

Couples like Dennis and Tom Patrick, whose adopted children with disabilities need one parent at home, not at a full-time job they are forced to work simply to get health insurance.

The ACLU of Michigan will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that all families are treated equally, but we need your help.

Will you help us fight back for families? Take just a few moments to send a short letter to your local newspaper here >>

Tell the editor:

• When Michigan voters passed a Constitutional amendment in 2004 defining marriage as between one man and one woman, they had no intention of forcing cities and colleges to take away health insurance from the families of their employees in domestic partnerships;
  
• During the campaign, the supporters of Proposal 2, the so-called "marriage amendment," stated repeatedly on television and in newspapers that the measure would have no effect on the health benefits of unmarried couples and their children;
  
• With over one million Michigan residents, including children, already without health benefits, we should be making every effort to get families the insurance they need, not take it away;
  
• The children of unmarried couples deserve the same legal protection as those of married couples. Regardless of how Michigan citizens feel about unmarried couples, the courts should not deny health care benefits to their families and children.

Now is a critical time for us to speak out for all families. Please use the links to Michigan newspapers here to send a brief letter to the editor >>

Thank you for your commitment to equality. Together, we will transform Michigan into a state that values the lives of all children and the adults who love and care for them.

Sincerely,

Jay Kaplan, Staff Attorney
ACLU of Michigan

* If you or your domestic partner are concerned that you will lose your health benefits due to the court's decision, please contact me for help at kaplan@aclumich.org.

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Learn more about this lawsuit here.