Public Media from Michigan State University

House Holds Hearing On LGBT Civil Rights Bill

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mprn Rick Pluta

A state House committee adjourned Wednesday without a vote on legislation to add LGBT protections the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.

The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Rick Pluta reports.

Retired Ford executive and former Wayne State University President Allan Gilmour says more and more businesses are ensuring their LGBT employees don’t face on-the-job discrimination.

“The climate in this state has not kept up,” he says.  “It is necessary for our elected officials to exercise leadership and transmit the message that discrimination will not be tolerated.” 

But it’s not clear if a bill will be voted on before the end of the year. Opponents say it would open the door to religious discrimination. There is a separate bill to allow an exemption for people acting on their religious faith.

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Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.