LGBT rights groups are blasting Governor Rick Snyder’s appointment of an anti-gay minister to the Michigan Civil Rights Commission. As we hear from Michigan Public Radio’s Rick Pluta, the governor is standing by the appointment.
The Civil Rights Commission adjudicates claims of housing and employment discrimination. It’s currently embroiled in a controversy over whether its protections should be extended to LGBT people.
Stephanie White of Equality Michigan says that makes the appointment of Pentecostal Bishop Ira Combs particularly ill-timed.
“It’s hard to find somebody in the state of Michigan who spends more time fighting against gay rights than Ira Combs.” Says White.
Combs’ history of campaigning against LGBT rights includes opposing the case to legalize same-sex marriage.
A representative of the governor is supposed to meet with civil rights groups next week to discuss the appointment.