As Pride Month comes to a close, Michigan Senate Democrats continue the fight to ensure Michigan represents a safe space for all members of the LGBTQ+ community. This #MajorityForThePeople is committed to instilling a sense of inclusion and belonging in Michigan — during Pride Month and every day year-round.
Earlier this month, Senate Democrats passed a Pride Month Resolution, officially declaring June 2023 as Pride Month in Michigan. The resolution recognizes the historical significance of Pride Month and acknowledges modern-day legislative victories made possible by the groundwork of activists like Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson.
During Pride Month, Michigan Senate Democrats joined in and attended various events, festivals, marches and parades held across the state of Michigan.
“This is what recognition feels like, and this is what representative government looks and acts like,” said Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), the first openly gay Michigan senator. “After years of state leaders ignoring LGBTQ+ pride, suppressing our rights and policy needs and raining on our parades the rainbows are out and shining bright in Michigan now.”
Sen. Jeremy Moss, the first openly gay senator in Michigan’s history, was featured on the cover of Pride Source Magazine to commemorate Pride Month.
In March, Senate Democrats passed a bill to expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, reaffirming and expanding legal protections for the LGBTQ+ community. Thanks to the amended Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, Michiganders finally have protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression codified in state law.
“For more than forty long years, amending Elliott-Larsen has been the battle cry of our community,” said Sen. Moss. “This moment is so long overdue, and too many LGBTQ+ people suffered on this journey to get here. They were waiting for a Legislature with the courage to stand up to hate and stand up for equality.”
And the Michigan Senate also passed bills — including Senate Bills 348 and 349, as well as House Bills 4616 and 4617 — to ban the harmful practice of conversion therapy by mental health professionals seeking to change the gender identity or sexual orientation of minors. The bills are currently making their way to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk and make Michigan the twenty-second state to ban conversion therapy.
“Michigan has made huge strides to become a more welcoming state, but we must do more to protect our kids when they’re at their most vulnerable: growing up, figuring out who they are and how they fit in with the world around them,” said Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak). “Kids who are subjected to conversion therapy in an attempt to change their gender identity or sexual orientation attempt suicide at more than double the rate of their LGBTQ+ peers, and, in short, this junk science amounts to nothing more than child abuse.”
These legislative efforts are a big step forward for Michigan, but certainly not the last.
Even though Pride Month is ending, there is still much to celebrate. Also, this year, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer created the Michigan LGBTQ+ Advisory Council, which will help to address issues such as safety, health and economic opportunity. The progress is tangible and noticeable. The good news: Senate Democrats are just getting started, and we will continue to put forth legislation that will further advance our shared mission of equity and inclusion.
Read more from the Michigan Senate Democrats at SenateDems.com/press.