Michigan Senate passes bill to expand civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ community

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - It’s a major expansion of Michigan’s civil rights law that adds new protections for the LGBTQ+ community.

Update: Michigan Legislature passes expanded civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ community

The Michigan Senate passed a bill Wednesday that expanded the state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. Senate Bill 4 prohibits discrimination in employment, public accommodations and public services, educational facilities, and housing and real estate based on religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial status, or marital status.

The bill also would prohibit discrimination in the areas described above based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.

Some lawmakers argue the bill violates religious freedoms, while advocates see it as a step toward ending discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community

Charla Burnett, the founder of the Umoja House, hopes the expansion will address the discrimination and homelessness experienced by individuals who do not conform to traditional gender roles

Republican Sen. Jim Runestad voted against the Elliott-Larsen expansion and called for additional protections for religious orientation, identity or expression.

The bill will go to the Michigan House of Representatives. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has said she will sign it.

The bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment.

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