Friday, March 17, 2023

Michigan expands Civil Rights Act to protect LGBTQ community


Michigan's Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an expansion of the Civil Rights Act into law. The expansion prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender or identity or expression in employment, public accommodations and public services, educational facilities, housing and real estate.

On March 8, 2023, the Michigan House of Representatives passed the bill expanding the language of the Civil Rights Act’s protected categories to include sexual orientation and gender identity or expression as prohibited categories for discrimination. The state senate had approved the bill on March 1.

The amendment defines “gender identity or expression” as “having or being perceived as having a gender-related self-identity or expression, whether or not associated with an individual’s assigned sex at birth.” Sexual orientation “means having an orientation for heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality or having a history of such an orientation or being identified with such an orientation.”

Gov. Whitmer called it a "new day in Michigan" that's "been a long time coming" during the signing ceremony. "Michigan is a state where we stand up for people's fundamental freedoms," she said. "I am so proud to be here, and I’m excited to put our state on the right side of history."

Congratulations Michigan!!!



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