Michigan Supreme Court says anti-bias law bans discrimination on sexual orientation, protects LGBTQ+ Court voted 5-2 that ‘sex’ applies to sexual orientation, not just gender
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Supreme Court Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act
The court voted 5-2 that the word “sex” in Michigan’s civil rights law applies to sexual orientation and not just gender, according to the Associated Press.
The lawsuit Rouch World LLC et al v Michigan Department of Civil Rights et al, was brought by businesses that denied services to customers who were either a same-sex couple or an individual who was transitioning their gender identity.
In October, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a bypass application in the Michigan Supreme Court on behalf of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) and the director of the MDCR. Nessel argued before the court on March 2.
“Now, more than ever, it is critical that those of us elected to public office work to preserve and protect the rights of all residents. Today’s ruling confirms what we have long known—that the protections afforded by the ELCRA cover all Michiganders.
“It is also important to recognize that the rights of Michigan’s LGBTQ+ community are based on precedent from court decisions. And while we were once a nation that respected the value of legal precedent to help preserve our rights, that may no longer be the case. Now is the time to enshrine our rights in law to ensure no person in this state ever experiences barriers to employment, housing, education, or public accommodations and services because of who they are or whom they love.
“Our residents deserve to live in a state that recognizes the value of diversity and rejects the notion that our own civil rights law could be used as a tool of discrimination. This ruling is not only a victory for the LGBTQ+ community, but for all Michigan residents, and one that’s long overdue.”
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel “Today, Michigan is more free and fair than it was yesterday.
“The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled decisively to confirm that our state’s civil rights laws protect our LGBTQ+ community. This is a monumental victory that ensures our LGBTQ+ community is seen equally by state law and protected by it.
“As a mom, a governor, and proud ally of the community, I am so grateful for this ruling. It will save lives, protect families, and help ensure that every Michigander is treated with dignity and respect by law. For too long, LGBTQ+ Michiganders had been left out of our state’s civil rights protections. No longer. Because of this ruling, nobody can legally be fired from their job or evicted from their home because of who they love.
“For years, I have fought to bring our LGBTQ+ community under the protection of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, and I am proud that today, history has been made. If we’re going to attract the talented workforce our businesses need to create jobs and grow our economy, then we’ve got to get on the right side of history. I will keep fighting to make Michigan a safe, welcoming place no matter who you are, where you come from, or who you love.”
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer “The Michigan Supreme Court’s ruling expanding civil rights protections to our LGBTQ+ friends and family is a tremendous victory for members of the community, for allies, and for every Michigander who believes in equality and justice for all.
“Here in Michigan, we know that if one of us is left behind or left out, we are all worse off. Today’s decision extending civil rights to the LGBTQ+ community helps ensure that no matter who you are or who you love, you can make a life in Michigan knowing that you have the full protection of the law behind you.
“Michiganders stand tall for one another, and I will keep fighting alongside Governor Whitmer to make our state more equitable and just for everyone.”
Lt. Gov. Gilchrist Copyright 2022 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.
About the Author Kayla Clarke headshot
Kayla is a Web Producer for ClickOnDetroit. Before she joined the team in 2018 she worked at WILX in Lansing as a digital producer.
