LANSING, Mich. (February 2, 2023) — Today, Senate Bill 4 was brought up in the Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety, and the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), testified to the necessary protections this legislation would provide for the LGBTQ community in Michigan.
“This hearing is dedicated to the countless advocates who have worked since the very first Elliott-Larsen hearings 50 years ago to include discrimination protections for the LGBTQ Michiganders within the act. I stand on their shoulders,” said Sen. Moss. “Our community is vibrant and contributes economically, culturally and civically to the State of Michigan. We’re not asking for anything more than anyone else has but we cannot accept anything less than equal protection under the law. While this legislation is a document of my values as a gay person, I also believe it is a document of Michigan values, too: of decency, of kindness, and of respect toward one another.”
“Hate and discrimination of any kind is unacceptable, and I am proud that after decades of advocacy and organizing by the community, today we are taking long-awaited action to protect LGBTQ Michiganders,” said Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), Chair of the Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety. “I am looking forward to this bill moving swiftly toward the governor’s desk and ensuring that people cannot be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Senate Bill 4 expands the Elliott-Larsen Civils Rights Act to provide protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, sending a much-needed, long-delayed message of equity, inclusion and acceptance to LGBTQ+ residents of all ages. With widespread support from community organizations and other Michigan legislators, this bill is set to affirm the validity and acceptance of the LGBTQ community in this state.
“This legislation is more than justice for the LGBTQ+ community—this is economic and workforce development,” said Rep. Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield), sponsor of the companion bill in the House, HB 4003, and Chair of the House Committee on Economic Development and Small Business. “People, especially young people are looking to work in states that share their values and if Michigan hopes to compete and expand our population, we need to be a state people want to call home.”
Nearly two-thirds of LGBTQ Americans report having experienced discrimination in their everyday lives. 22 states and more than 100 cities have adopted these common-sense, inclusive and comprehensive protections for LGBTQ people, and with today’s discussion, Michigan is moving closer to becoming the 23rd state to adopt comprehensive non-discrimination laws.
“Forty-six years ago, our state passed the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act with bipartisan support because Michiganders believe in fairness and treating each other with dignity and respect. This landmark legislation defined Michigan as a welcoming place where discrimination is not tolerated. Equality Michigan, its predecessors and the LGBTQ community have been working to update our state’s civil rights law to explicitly include sexual orientation and gender identity in every legislative session beginning with the session that immediately followed the adoption of Elliott-Larsen,” said Erin Knott, Executive Director of Equality Michigan, the statewide LGBTQ advocacy group, in testimony given today in support of updating the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. “After decades of hard work, we are witnessing a sea of change toward equal rights for all. Decades of civil rights history show that civil rights laws are effective in decreasing discrimination by deterring discriminatory behavior and providing strong remedies targeted to address real discrimination. By explicitly including sexual orientation and gender identity in these fundamental laws, LGBTQ people will finally be afforded the exact same protections in state law as other protected characteristics.”
Organizations and individuals that also voiced support for SB 4 today included the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan, Corktown Health, the Detroit Police Department, medical professionals, faith leaders, spouses and parents. 83% of Michiganders support nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people.
Michigan is home to over 373,000 residents who identify as a part of the LGBTQ community. According to a 2019 report from Out Leadership, Michigan received a D grade on its LGBTQ-friendly policies, scoring a sad 64.7%.
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Additional Comments From Members of the LGBT Legislative Caucus:
“‘Equality under the law’ is not just a slogan,” said Rep. Noah Arbit (D-West Bloomfield). “It is long past time to affirm the civil rights of LGBTQ+ Michiganders under the law, and I am proud to join with my colleagues in the largest-ever LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucus to do just that.”
“Today brings us one step closer to Michigan’s LGBTQIA+ workers and families being protected equally under the law regardless of who they love, how they express themselves, or who they know themselves to be,” said Rep. Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing). “As our state’s first out nonbinary State Representative and one of two out bisexual State Representatives, I’m honored to join Michigan’s historic LGBT Legislative Caucus in moving Michigan towards becoming a safe, equitable, and welcoming state. Together we represent a diversity of experiences and remain committed to ensuring the broader LGBTQIA+ is included in the solutions developed in Lansing. ELCRA is just the beginning!”
“I am overjoyed that we are finally working to expand Elliott-Larsen,” said Rep. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park). “This is great for Michiganders and the Michigan economy because people want to live in states where they are free to love who they love and identify as they wish. This is long overdue for our state. Everyone should be able to live without fear of discrimination.”
“I am proud to support extending protections for the LGBTQ+ community against discrimination and codifying dignity and respect into Michigan law,” said Rep. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor). “It’s time to state loudly and clearly that Michigan is the place to live, grow, and raise your family, all families. We will ensure that future generations never face discrimination because of who they are or who they love in our great state.”
“This hearing wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of so many members and supporters of the LGBTQ+ community over the years,” said Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia). “Today is a day for us all to celebrate but also to acknowledge the monumental amount of work that has led us to this moment.”