By: Robin Murray-o'hair
Re: Divorce and the RR

DIVORCE AND THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT

Heard the latest rhetoric from Ralph Reed, executive director of
Pat Robertson's Christian Coalition? The stuff about the religious
right not wanting to tell other people how to run their lives? The
bit about how all they want is to be able to practice their
Christianity in peace?

Well, take a look at Michigan, where the Christian Coalition and
the religious right has a friend in the state's governor. Now the
Michigan House Judiciary Committee is considering a bill to
eliminate "no fault" divorces allowed by a 1972 divorce. Under it,
a spouse suing for divorce would have to prove adultery, deviant
sexual behavior, desertion, alcohol or drug abuse, or extreme
cruelty.

According to the March 14, 1995, Detroit News, Michigan Family
Forum spokesman Brian Willats claimed that "divorce has no
backing in Judeo-Christian tradition" and that there should be "no
legal sanction for divorce" under any circumstances.

Public hearings on the bill will continue thru May. For information
call 1-800-370-0830. Or write the sponsor of the anti-divorce bill
at:

Michigan Rep. Jessie Dalman
State Capitol
P O Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514