Statement in Support of LGBTQ+ Book Ban Prevention Bills

Chosen Family of Michigan expresses our support for bills pending in the Michigan House, which have been sent to committee for review. These bills, if approved, would make it more difficult for LGBTQ+ books to be removed from public libraries, as well as adjust the book removal process, including preventing complaints on materials coming from people who do not live within the library’s district. 

CFM is currently preparing to launch our book ban prevention initiative. Although we are hopeful this bill will get passed during this lame-duck session, we will be active in educating communities, uplifting the voices of pro-equity community members, and fighting for inclusive libraries, including public, school and university, regardless.

Representation Matters. Period.

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Statement Against HR 9495

Chosen Family of Michigan joins with the fight against HR 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act.

In name, it sounds great to be against terrorism. However, this bill would allow the Secretary of the Treasury, who is appointed by the President and serves within the Cabinet, to revoke the tax-exempt status of any nonprofit they deem as “terrorism supporting.” The organization has 90 days to submit evidence to the Secretary that they are not supporting terrorism, but the Secretary determines whether or not the evidence is satisfactory. Further, the Secretary does not need to provide any evidence or explanation. The language of the bill is vague, and organizations like CFM are incredibly worried that anti-LGBTQ+ administrations could use this to target nonprofit groups for political reasons. This bill in its current form violates the due process rights of nonprofit organizations.

The other portion of the bill would postpone tax-filing deadlines for Americans and their spouses who are wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad. While we fully support this portion of the bill, the Senate has already passed this, and the House simply needs to pass the Senate version.

In order to receive tax-exempt status, nonprofits must fall under one of many pre-approved IRS categories. Once approved, the nonprofit can lose their tax-exempt status if their work is not within the scope of what they received their tax-exempt status for. These mechanisms, in addition to other laws that prevent Americans and American-based organizations from supporting terrorism, already protect our national security, when properly enforced.

This bill is not only unnecessary but could be used as a political tool to target domestic dissent with its vague language and expansive powers granted to the Executive branch, without the need to show evidence, provide reasoning, or due process.

We urge Congress to firmly reject this bill.

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org

Statement on Banning of "Gay Panic Defense" in Michigan

We are pleased to provide an update on Public Act 87 of 2024, which was previously House Bill 4718. This legislation was signed into law by Governor Whitmer, banning the “gay panic defense.” Long used in many states, we know that fearing gay people is not an excuse to commit a crime, but we know it has been used time and time again as a defense. Notably, a similar defense was used in the State of Wyoming in the late 1990's as a defense for the individuals who attacked Matthew Shepard and left him to die.

Unfortunately, but perhaps not shockingly, many members voted against this progress. We must support pro-equity candidates up and down the ballot this November.

This progress falls directly into CFM’s vision of “A Michigan that uplifts the LGBTQ+ community through equity, understanding & opportunity.” We applaud it.

Help us continue to fight by making a tax-deductible donation at chosenfamilyofmichigan.org