We were just watching some television last night and spotted a 30-second ad for Michigan. Yes, the state! Yes, the same state that’s seeing Detroit crumble desperately needs our tourism dollars! They invited us to visit PureMichigan.com to set up a journey to the “it looks like a hand” land. We checked what Michigan had to offer us gays, and it wasn’t much. So here’s a tip for the tourism board: Let everyone know that the latest poll data shows Michiganders are more in favor of same-sex marriage than ever before! Free Press: “In October 2004, a Glengariff poll showed 24% of Michiganders supported marriage rights for same-sex partners, and only 42% supported legal recognition of civil unions. In the new poll, support for same sex marriage was 46.5% and for civil unions 63.7%. Forty-eight percent of state voters said they opposed adding marriage rights, the only one of nine gay rights issues not winning majority support.”
they love us!
Michigan’s Support for Marriage DOUBLED In the Last 4 Years
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The Gay Numbers
So when are we going to put up a ballot initiative in that state?
Bruno
When I thought about Michigan not having much to offer us gays, I thought of this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Michigan
Why should gays and lesbians want to visit a not-so-thrilling-looking-anyway state when we have virtually zero protections there?
AlwaysGay
The poll numbers are up because haterosexuals know that gay couples are not likely to get marriage rights anytime soon. You can bet your life that if marriage equality was coming to Michigan soon that these numbers would plummet.
ML
@Bruno: I knew this post would bring out the bitches. Michigan is everyone’s favorite whipping boy lately. Can’t you just acknowledge some good news for a change? The times are changing, albeit a bit slower in some places than in others.
And, have you even been to the state? Michigan has some of the best freshwater beaches in the world.
Mike
@ML: We’re talking about rights for gays and you bring up “Michigan has some of the best freshwater beaches in the world.” WTF!!!
And yes, I live in Michigan. I’ve been a resident here my entire life and if it weren’t for the fact that I don’t want to be too far away from my family I’d tell this state to go fuck itself!
Not only did these fuckers amend the constitution to ban same-sex marriage, they also banned civil unions!
My partner and I have been together for twelve years and we have ZERO rights as a couple. We pay the same taxes as our straight neighbors but are denied the same rights that they get to enjoy.
dgz
this opinion shift is a HUGE deal. Why?
Because young people almost always move away from Michigan, due to the economic situation. This means that older demographics are changing their minds. that’s exciting.
and yes, MI is a blue state, but it’s not blue like the east coast, it’s blue like the UAW is blue… generally not progressive. so this is really important (if the poll can be believed).
ML
@Mike: Wow, you must be a real joy to live with. The original post is POSITIVE news, in case you didn’t notice. Perhaps you could steer some of your negative energy into something a little more constructive — like acheiving equal rights — and we’d all be better off.
Mike
@ML: Well, I must be a joy to live with because I’m in a happy twelve year relationship. You?
I’m SO sorry that inequality pisses me off. Do you have no problems with being treated like a second-class citizen?
BTW, since you’re making false assumptions about me I’ll set you straight. I’m a fierce advocate for equal rights. Don’t be so quick assume I’m not using my anger in a positive way. Jumping to conclusions about someone you know nothing about speaks volumes about you.
Bruno
@ML:
You’re calling me a bitch for posting a link full of facts? You must really enjoy those cold, polluted, inland beaches along with your rights in the lovely state of Michigan. Enjoy, bitch.
Frenchie
I live in Michigan.. The arm pit of the United States. I’ve lived here my whole life, and I have to say that there is a change in people’s perspectives within the past few years.
Our state is crumbling like a stale piece of bread. I’m liberal and our Governor is.. (Insert your opinion here, mine isn’t positive either).
I plan on leaving Michigan once I finish up my Bachelors. I hate the idea of leaving my family but I need to go somewhere better for me. A place with rights, protections, etc.
Like Canada?
Hahaha.
I know right.