Lansing, MI?– On Feb 24th, Governor Gretchen Whitmer?met with members of the LGBTQ+ community in Ferndale to discuss expanding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) to expressly include sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in the act. The governor heard from Michiganders about how protecting LGBTQ+ Michiganders from discrimination and ensuring no one can be fired or evicted because of who they are helps grow our economy and make Michigan more welcoming for families.? 

“We must ensure that Michigan is a welcoming place for people to live and build their future,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I was honored to join elected officials, community leaders, and allies to highlight the importance of expanding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, so no one can be fired or evicted for who they are. We need to get this done so we can make Michigan the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I called on the legislature to expand Elliott-Larsen in my first State of the State address in 2019, and I am proud that we will get it done soon. In addition to being the right thing to do, it’s also just good economics. Let’s work together to build a welcoming, prosperous state where young talent wants to move and stay, and everyone can thrive.” 

Senate Bill 4, sponsored by Senator Jeremy Moss, and House Bill 4003, sponsored by Representative Jason Hoskins, would amend the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination in employment, public accommodations and public services, educational facilities, and housing and real estate based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity or expression. 

“Our LGBTQ community is vibrant and contributes economically, culturally and civically to the State of Michigan. We are not asking for anything more than anyone else has but we are also not going to accept anything less than equal protection under the law,” said state Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield). “We will not live in the shadows – we are your family members, your friends, your neighbors and your colleagues. The legislation we will soon be sending to the Governor for her signature will ensure LGBTQ people can freely live our lives in Michigan with secure housing and employment, free from discrimination.”   

“It was an honor to moderate this roundtable discussion and help highlight the urgency behind expanding Elliott-Larsen,” said state Representative Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield). “As the first openly Gay Black person in the Michigan Legislature, I feel truly humbled to be able to lend my voice to this movement. I’m excited to help build a more welcome Michigan that lets the world know – we’re open for business.” 

“Equality Michigan, its predecessors and the LGBTQ+ community have been working to update our state's civil rights law to explicitly include sexual orientation, gender identity and expression in every single legislative session subsequent to the adoption of Elliott-Larsen,” said Erin Knott, Executive Director, Equality Michigan. “After decades of hard work, countless sacrifices, and generations of courageous leaders, we are witnessing a sea of change toward equal rights for all.”

Governor Whitmer’s Actions to Protect the LGBTQ+ Community?? 

Since taking office, Governor Whitmer has taken action to protect the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ Michiganders are an essential part of who we are and make Michigan a better place to live and work.??? 

• Signed an executive order strengthening protections against discrimination, including discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, in public jobs. 
• Signed an executive order prohibiting MDHHS from using any funds for conversion therapy on minors and mandating that all agencies in charge of regulating, supplying, or acquiring medical services shield minors from the practice. 
• Rejected transphobic budget wording that aimed to bar gender affirming care. 
• Submitted an amicus brief statement to the Michigan Supreme Court in support of the position that the ELCRA forbids discrimination based on sexual orientation.  
• Honored the sponsors of Michigan's civil rights legislation by renaming the Lewis Cass state office building the Elliott-Larsen building.