LANSING (WWJ) – In a move some Michigan lawmakers are calling historic, the State Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety on Thursday approved legislation that expands the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.
The expansion would provide protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Many business groups voiced support for the bill saying it will help attract workers to the state.
After about 90 minutes of testimony, committee members voted 5-1, with one lawmaker passing, to approve Senate Bill 4, which will now go to the full Senate for consideration.
The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in Michigan based on religion, race, national origin, marital status, and other factors through employment, housing, education, and access to public accommodations.
Lawmakers in Lansing have been discussing the possible expansion for nearly a decade, but on Thursday afternoon it made it through the committee, a moment Ann Arbor Sen. Jeff Irwin called historic.
"We heard a lot today about how this is good for business and how important this is to attracting talent and all that's important," he said. "But for me, this is just a fundamental issue of morals and the rights of all people to enjoy equal access to the fruits of our great nation and this has been a long time coming."
Expanding the act would send the message to the rest of the world "that Michigan gets it," according to Brad Williams, Vice President, Government Relations with the Detroit Regional Chamber.
"That we are a state where everyone is welcome. This is important to the LGBTQ+ community, of course, but also to the straight allies who want a state where their entire family is welcome, where their friends are welcome and they can be assured that their own rights will continue to be valued," Williams said.
Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest coverage on this story. >>> LISTEN LIVE!
