Michigan expands discrimination protections to LGBTQ+ community

LANSING, Mich. (WNDU) - On Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed SB-4 into law, expanding discrimination protections for the LGBTQ+ community in the state.

The bill expands on the Eilliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which was passed in 1976. The updated expansion prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender or identity or expression in employment, public accommodations and public services, educational facilities, housing, and real estate.

“Today, we are taking a long overdue step to ensure that no one can be fired from their job or evicted from their home because of who they are or how they identify,” said Gov. Whitmer in a press release. “Our LGBTQ+ friends, family, and neighbors deserve equal protection under the law so they can live their authentic lives, and I want everyone to know that Michigan is a place that will fight for your freedom to be yourself. Guaranteeing equal legal protections to LGBTQ+ Michiganders is the right thing to do. It’s also just good economics, which is why business groups from across our state stand with us. Getting this done will help attract and retain talent from across the nation, and I am proud that Michigan today is more free and fair than it was yesterday.”

The bill signage comes at a time in which over 400 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced this year across the U.S.