Update on Key Issues Concerning Christian Citizens Happy Thanksgiving! "Oh come let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our Salvation, Let us come before His presence with Thanksgiving…For the Lord is the great God, And the great King above all gods." (Psalm 95) We hope you're able to take the time this Thanksgiving to thank God for the bounty he has given us as citizens of a free nation in a time when we are able to worship without fear of punishment by the government. We must hold fast to our freedoms and keep them intact if we want to pass on a lasting legacy to the next generation. As we look forward to the coming year and the new legislature in Michigan, CTV isn't slowing down! We're committed to standing up for traditional values in the public arena. We will continue to engage with you. Our voices will not be silenced, but strategic. Will you stand with us? The History of Thanksgiving Most of us know the origin of Thanksgiving in the Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay colonies, but do you know the history of Thanksgiving as a national holiday? In 1777, the Continental Congress declared the first national American Thanksgiving following the victory at Saratoga, a key battle in the Revolutionary War. In 1789, George Washington became the first president to declare a Thanksgiving holiday on November 26th. But it wasn't until President Lincoln, in 1863, declared Thanksgiving as the last Thursday of November that the holiday was celebrated on a national level. Later presidents followed Lincoln's precedent until 1939, when Franklin D. Roosevelt declared November 23, the next to last Thursday that year, as Thanksgiving Day. This caused some controversy and led many Americans to ignore FDR's declaration. In 1941, he admitted his mistake and signed a bill that officially marked the fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day. Marriage Update Same-Sex Marriage Bill Awaiting Vote in U.S. House On Nov 16th, H.R. 8404, also known as the "Respect for Marriage Act," was advanced by the U.S. Senate in a 62-37 vote. It previously passed the U.S. House in July as a response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, but the bill must now return to the House for a final confirmation vote due to a new amendment saying nonprofit religious organizations aren't required to provide services for same-sex marriages. While this amendment appears good on the surface, it does NOT contain the necessary language to fully protect the religious and conscientious objections of businesses and churches. "The Senate bill pays lip service to religious liberty and conscience rights, but it does not offer any meaningful protections for those rights." — Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) "The Democrats' gay marriage bill is all about teeing up the Biden IRS to target religious schools, churches, and charities" — Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) Click HERE for more info. Will Michigan Follow Suit? With same-sex marriage on the path to legal reinforcement on the federal level, it begs the question of whether Michigan will follow suit on the state level. Much like Michigan's 1931 abortion ban, a 2004 constitutional amendment exists that bars the state from recognizing or performing same-sex marriages or civil unions. For now, the U.S. Supreme Court has usurped Michigan's 2004 amendment. But we're expecting Democrats to look for an opportunity to legalize same-sex marriage on the state level just in case Obergefell v. Hodges is overturned. That would mean another ballot initiative similar to the recently passed Proposal 3. Click HERE for more info. As always, CTV will continue to monitor the situation and let you know how you can help fight to preserve traditional values in our beloved state. Consider How You Can Support CTV Citizens for Traditional Values relies on the support of grassroots activists and concerned citizens who care about preserving, protecting, and promoting the faith-based values that sustain good governance. Your prayer support and financial contributions enable us to be effective as we stand for truth in local communities, Lansing, and beyond. Donate now!   Citizens for Traditional Values | PO Box 80295, Lansing, MI 48908 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!