For the 1,752,826th time, public health is not affected

Before using California to justify her position, Sheryl Mitchell should have researched their experience with its version of Proposal 2. Mitchell claims the proposal harms the health of women and minorities. California proves otherwise.

A little research would have shown that the lawsuits filed by the National Coalition of Free Men were dismissed by the Los Angeles Superior Court in 2003. These dismissals were upheld by the California Court of Appeals in 2005.

Also, reading the proposal would reveal that it is specifically limited to “public employment, public education, and public contracting” and, contrary to Mitchell’s claims, does not prevent programs for battered women or breast cancer. The State of California funds a Battered Women Shelter Program. This can be verified by visiting http://www.mch.dhs.ca.gov/programs/bwsp/bwsfacts.htm. To find a list of cancer screening centers, visit http://www.dhs.ca.gov/cancerdetection/.

In spite of the opposition’s scare mongering, Proposal 2 is not about eliminating public health programs. It is about equal treatment under the law. Vote Yes on Proposal 2.

[Letter to the Editor - West Bloomfield Eccentric. Submitted 10/20/2006.]