Senators Patterson, Olshove, Kuipers, Gilbert, Hardiman, Birkholz, Jelinek, Garcia, Van Woerkom, Cassis and Goschka offered the following concurrent resolution:

            Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 32.

            A concurrent resolution to urge the Governor to ensure that Michigan does not recognize same-sex marriages.

            Whereas, Marriage is the cornerstone of society.  Our nation, like others throughout history, has recognized this fact in laws and customs.  The family unit provides the foundation for future generations through the stability, nurturing, and example it offers; and

            Whereas, The relationship between the well-being of the family and the well-being of individuals is firmly established.  Children from stable families have far higher rates of success in school, health, work, and their own relationships; and        

            Whereas, In 1996, Michigan enacted measures to define marriage as a relationship that can only be between a man and a woman.  One act, 1996 PA 324, amended several sections (MCL §§ 551.1-551.4) of Chapter 83 of the Revised Statutes of 1846 to define marriage as a civil contract between a man and a woman.  Another act, 1996 PA 334, amended section 1 of 1939 PA 168 (MCL § 551.271), to authorize the state not to recognize same-sex marriages that may be legal in another state; and

            Whereas, A recent court case in Canada and subsequent legislative actions have effectively paved the way for same-sex marriages in our neighboring country.  This move has raised great concerns throughout the United States, as well as in other countries and among many Canadians; and

            Whereas, The people of Michigan who feel same-sex marriage is an affront to our nation's values want measures taken to ensure that the central role of marriage and the family is affirmed and not jeopardized in any way; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we urge the Governor to ensure that Michigan does not recognize same-sex marriages by enforcing Michigan and federal laws that define marriage as only being valid between a man and a woman; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Office of the Governor.