Reps. Hoogendyk, Booher, Brandenburg, Elsenheimer, Gleason, Gosselin, Hansen, Huizenga, Kooiman, Lemmons, III, Lemmons, Jr., Meyer, Moore, Mortimer, Palmer, Pastor, Pavlov, Shaffer, Stakoe, Taub and Vander Veen offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 135.

A resolution declaring September 26 through October 2, 2005, as Equal Parents' Week in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, We recognize the right of all children to continue to receive the same access to both parents which is sanctioned in families with married parents.  We also recognize that children cannot benefit from family values when they suffer the loss of a parent and perpetuation of irresponsibility by parents against each other and their children; and

Whereas, We recognize that nothing can take the place of the love of a parent in children's lives. It takes the equal presence of both parents in children's lives to meet their children's need for that love; and

Whereas, We recognize that "the best interests of children" cannot be met unless we maximize the ability of both parents to raise and nurture their children. To afford their children the maximum parenting effort and involvement each parent must be willing and able to contribute in raising their children, and that "the best parent is both parents”; and

Whereas, We recognize that we as a society share the responsibility to keep families together by promoting a system that protects the right of children to be raised and nurtured by both parents as civil rights inalienable to all families.  We also recognize the right of families to exist and function as a family; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare September 26 through October 2, 2005, as Equal Parents' Week in the state of Michigan.  We intend to raise public awareness of the urgent need of our children for the love and support from both parents, their extended families, and stepfamilies. We also promote participation in this event throughout the state of Michigan for the public good.