Traverse Connect’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee recently approved joining Fair and Equal Michigan, the campaign to pass Michigan’s first LGBTQ equal rights law through a citizen initiative. Fair and Equal Michigan is seeking an amendment to the state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals in employment, housing, public accommodation, public services, and education.
“We are focused on a world-class quality of life, and that means supporting the citizens’ non-discrimination initiative as an important step for Michigan – and northern Michigan – to compete in attracting the best and brightest minds,” said DEIB Co-Chair Tyasha Harrison. “We are pleased to endorse Fair and Equal Michigan so that everyone has an equal chance to succeed and for our communities to benefit from this success.“
Fair and Equal Michigan aims to pass the first-ever LGBTQ rights law through a citizens’ bill by petition. The petition defines “sex” to include sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Signatures are currently being collected to send this citizen’s initiative to the Legislature. Once the citizen’s petition is certified, the Legislature has the opportunity to pass the initiative, or send it to the 2022 ballot.
“LGTBQ Michiganders still face discrimination in local employment, education, housing, and public accommodations and we must act immediately,” said Fair and Equal Michigan Co-Chair Trevor Thomas. “We applaud Traverse Connect who joins economic leaders across the state to make Michigan a welcoming place for all. More than 500,000 people signed a petition calling on the State House and Senate to pass the citizens’ bill as written by Fair and Equal Michigan and we urge them to do so.”
Read more at Fair and Equal Michigan.
