LANSING – The day after Kalamazoo voters resoundingly approved an ordinance to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, the Michigan House Judiciary Committee passed a similar measure to ensure these protections are applied statewide.
"Yesterday's election results demonstrated Michiganders' fundamental belief in equality and fairness," said State Representative Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor), sponsor of the bill. "They see that these measures are not about special rights or special interests. They are about protecting our citizens and their families from being fired from a job or being denied housing because of who they are or who they love. I'm afraid this is one instance in which it is high time that the Michigan Legislature catches up to its constituents, and I am proud to help lead this fight."
Although the state legislation has been introduced in several prior sessions, this marks the first time the bill was passed out of committee and sent to the House Floor for consideration. Its movement comes on the coattails of Kalamazoo becoming the 17th locality in Michigan to pass a similar ordinance.
Studies have shown that states and cities that restrict rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered citizens tend to rank at the bottom for attracting high-tech businesses, while regions and companies that are open, inclusive, and tolerant are economic powerhouses. Of the 519 Fortune 1000 companies surveyed by the Human Rights Campaign, 98 percent prohibit unfair employment practices for gay employees.
At the same time, migration has cost Michigan 465,000 citizens since 2001. In 2007 alone, Michigan suffered a net loss migration of 18,000 adults with bachelor's degree or higher. Those leaving Michigan had an annual income 20 percent higher than those who moved into the state.
"There is a lot of talk in Lansing about making Michigan more competitive in our increasingly global economy," Warren said. "This policy not only protects Michigan families, but also works to reverse brain drain and attract businesses worldwide without spending a dime. We simply can't afford not to do it."