FOR ALL

“Updating the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights to prohibit discrimination in the workplace and commerce on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is not only the smart thing to do, it is the right thing to do. We believe everyone deserves the right to show up as their whole person in all aspects of their life and inclusivity is vital for to remain competitive while attracting and retaining top talent.” Rick Baker President & CEO, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce

“Nothing is more necessary to the progress of a people than equality. If any are held down, we are all held back, and that includes the current denial of equal protection under the law for citizens of Michigan’s LGBTQ community. By adding sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes, this legislation from State House and Senate Democrats extends critical protections to Michigan’s LGBTQ community that most residents can thankfully take for granted. We wholeheartedly support these bills and encourage both sides to seize upon the rare opportunity to pass laws that benefit not merely one party or another, but that unmistakably reaffirm our collective humanity as a people.” Lavora Barnes Chair, Michigan Democratic Party

“Love is love. Who you love should not ever impact anyone’s ability to work, live, or thrive in our state. I fully support this long overdue extension of Elliott-Larsen to protect every person regardless of their sexual orientation or identity. It is everybody’s fight to ensure that it does.” Jocelyn Benson Michigan Secretary of State

“The Michigan AFL-CIO is dedicated to protecting the freedoms of all working people, and that includes our LGBTQ brothers, sisters and siblings. At our Constitutional Convention in May, the convention delegates voted unanimously to renew our commitment and support of amending the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. All workers deserve dignity and safety in the workplace. No worker should be fired for who they are or who they love. We proudly support this legislation and will advocate for its passage.” Ron Bieber President, Michigan AFL-CIO

“Every Michigander deserves equal protection under the law. “For too long, we’ve allowed discriminatory practices to be carried out against members of the LGBTQ community. Michigan law currently allows for LGBTQ people to be denied housing, a meal at a local restaurant, essential health care services, and even a good-paying job. By expanding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to irrefutably include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes, we are saying all people in our state deserve to be treated equally and fairly — the very intent of this law when it was established. “This legislation is common sense and it’s the right thing to do. I look forward to working with our partners in the Legislature to ensure Michigan finally provides adequate protections to the LGBTQ community.” Dana Nessel Michigan Attorney General

“Nobody should be turned away from a business, denied service, fired from their job, or evicted from their home simply because of who they are or whom they love. “Since we launched the ACLU of Michigan LGBT Project, we have received more than 500 complaints from our friends, neighbors and community members who faced discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Updating the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act is long overdue, and we applaud the State Senate and House leaders for doing what is right.” Dave Noble Executive Director, ACLU of Michigan #WinningEquality PRINTED IN-HOUSE FOR ALL

“For too long, folks in the LGBTQ community have been denied the freedom to be who they are and have the families and relationships they deserve without fear of discrimination. It’s time we changed that. This legislation would make Michigan a more welcoming and equitable place for our friends, family members, neighbors and colleagues in the LGBTQ community. “The lack of civil rights protections for the LGBTQ community represents both a moral failing and a failure to come to grips with the realities of the 21st century and the types of communities people want to live in. Families and businesses don’t want to put down roots in a state with backwards laws. They want to live in communities that are respectful, diverse and provide everyone with an opportunity to thrive.” Lonnie Scott Executive Director, Progress Michigan

“Updating ELCRA to include protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity is long past due, if Michigan is to be open and welcoming to ALL —a place where businesses can thrive, and people don’t feel they must move elsewhere to be treated with dignity and respect. Pride at Work is dedicated to fighting for equality in the workplace and in the union hall — to protecting the freedoms of all LGBTQ+ working people and to lifting the veil of fear and hate that leads to high suicide rates in the LGBTQ+ Community and the disproportionate murder of transwomen of color. “We have been working for the last 25 years to include strong nondiscrimination protections when union contracts are negotiated. And we recognize that ALL employees, whether they belong to a union or not, deserve to work in a safe place free of bullying and discrimination. LGBTQ+ employees want and deserve the same things as all other working people — a fair wage for their work and the ability to sustain their families. It’s time for the legislature to finally pass this bill!” Cynthia L. Thornton President, Pride at Work Michigan

“As a nation, we believe that all people should be treated fairly and equally. That’s why it’s shocking to realize that in this day and age, it’s actually still legal under Michigan’s laws to fire a hardworking employee, deny them a place to live, or force them out of a restaurant just because they’re , , bisexual and or . Michigan isn’t alone. Many states lack these protections, but we are so proud that Michiganders are standing up for our American values of fairness and equality. This legislation is long overdue and will make a real difference in the lives of so many people in every county in the state.” Hon. Jessie Ulibarri Executive Director, State Innovation Exchange (SiX) and a former state Senator from Colorado

“I have been honored to serve on the Equality Michigan Board for a couple of years now and am even more proud to say that I’m an ally of the LGBTQ community. When there was a push to amend Elliott-Larsen years ago, I watched the action from the House gallery with high interest. I wanted us to succeed during that session. Little did I realize that it would have only been a success for some of the community. “Years later, I’m glad that we will have another opportunity to craft public policy that is inclusive of everyone. Because freedom is for everyone. It makes me think of a lyric from Hamilton: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal. And when I meet Thomas Jefferson, I’m ‘a compel him to include women in the sequel!’ “Well, I met Thomas Jefferson after I saw Hamilton in Chicago and I can tell you that this is time for our sequel. This is the time for all men, straight and gay, for all women, straight and lesbian, and for all people, trans and all to include everyone in Elliott-Larsen. I look forward to the next bit of history that the 100th Michigan Legislature will create.” David Worthams Vice Chair, Equality Michigan; Policy Director, Michigan Bankers Association; former Chairman of the Kalamazoo County Republican Party; 87th Past President of the Michigan Junior Chamber (JCI Michigan/Jaycees); former Policy Advisor for past Michigan Speakers Rick Johnson and Craig DeRoche

#WinningEquality PRINTED IN-HOUSE