At the state Capitol, a Democratic lawmaker has called for expending Michigan’s civil rights law to protect people who are gay, lesbian or transgender from many types of discrimination.
State Senator Rebekah Warren says expanding the civil rights law would send a message that Michigan is trying to attract creative workers and entrepreneurs.
“It’s still true in Michigan that you can be evicted from your place of residence or fired from the job that you hold because of your sexual orientation or the perception of your sexual orientation and this is something we need to fix," says Warren.
Warren says the legislation would have no effect on the amendment that outlaws same-sex marriage and civil unions in Michigan.
She doubts her bill will clear the Legislature in this session, but she wants to make sure the issue doesn’t go dormant. She also wants the bill to serve as a counterpoint to another bill that would outlaw local gay rights ordinances like the ones on the books in 18 Michigan communities.
