KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - A southwestern Michigan community has approved an ordinance that would ban discrimination in employment, public accommodation and housing practices.
The Kalamazoo Gazette reports the measure passed on a 6-0 vote Monday night by trustees in Kalamazoo County's Kalamazoo Township.
The ordinance bans discrimination based on several factors, including race, sex, age, religion, national origin, height, weight, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical or mental ability, gender identity, sexual orientation or genetic information.
A number of other Michigan communities offer similar protections.
Trustee Mark Miller says he modeled Kalamazoo Township's draft ordinance after one from the city of Kalamazoo and another Michigan township.
Anyone alleging discrimination under the ordinance would submit a written complaint. A violation of the ordinance could bring a fine, from $75 to $500.
