Bill Text: MI SR0059 | 2023-2024 | 102nd Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to commemorate June 12, 2023, as Loving Day.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 13-0)
Status: (Passed) 2023-06-08 - Adopted [SR0059 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2023-SR0059-Enrolled.html
MICHIGAN SENATE
Senate Resolution No. 59
Offered by Senators Geiss, Cherry, Shink, Klinefelt, Chang, Brinks, Bayer, McMorrow, McCann, Irwin, Wojno, Polehanki and Cavanagh
A RESOLUTION TO COMMEMORATE JUNE 12, 2023, AS LOVING DAY
WHEREAS, Mildred and Richard Loving were an interracial couple who were married in Washington D.C., in 1958, but were banned from marrying in their home state of Virginia, where interracial marriage was illegal at the time; and
WHEREAS, The Lovings were arrested five weeks after their marriage, found guilty of violating the Act to Preserve Racial Integrity, and banned from the state of Virginia for 25 years; and
WHEREAS, The Lovings challenged this ruling five years into their 25 year sentence and their case was taken up by the American Civil Liberties Union; and
WHEREAS, Loving v. Virginia worked its way through the judicial system until the United States Supreme Court unanimously decided in 1967 that the Lovings’ marriage should be upheld; and
WHEREAS, The Virginia statute was found unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution which forbids states from restricting basic rights of citizens or other persons; and
WHEREAS, Laws banning interracial marriages were found similarly unconstitutional and struck down in 16 remaining states that observed them; and
WHEREAS, Loving Day was founded in 2004, and has garnered support from thousands of people domestically and internationally, and from organizations and publications; and
WHEREAS, Loving Day celebrations aim to create a common connection between multiracial communities, groups, and individuals; and
WHEREAS, Loving Day’s mission is to fight racial prejudice, promote tolerance, awareness, and understanding through education, and foster supportive multicultural communities; and
WHEREAS, Loving Day seeks to commemorate and celebrate the United States Supreme Court’s 1967 ruling, keeping its importance fresh in the minds of a generation that has grown up with interracial relationships being legal, as well as to explore issues facing couples currently in interracial relationships; and
WHEREAS, Michigan has long celebrated and enjoyed this freedom since it became state law in 1883 by repeal of the 1838 Miscegenation Act; and
WHEREAS, We now advance through the 21st century as a multiracial and multicultural society and realize that we must find a common vision from our interwoven past to build a society free of racism for the benefit of our collective future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That the members of this legislative body commemorate June 12, 2023, as Loving Day.
Secretary of the Senate
Adopted by the Senate, June 8, 2023.
