On March 8th, the Michigan Senate passed an amendment to the Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act. Elliott Larsen, passed in 1977, provides protection from discrimination based on religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial or marital status. Previously passed by the House, the new amendment adds LGBTQ rights to that list.
If you’re wondering, “wasn’t this already included?” The answer is yes, sort of. Last summer, the Michigan Supreme Court determined that the definition of “sex” in the law included protections for LGBTQ individuals. This amendment codifies that decision into law and would make it more difficult for a future court to overturn that decision.
What’s next? The governor has already said that she will sign the bill so it will be going into effect shortly.
As an employer, you should check your handbook and antidiscrimination policies to ensure that they include protections for LGBTQ folks. They should already be there. If not, now’s the time to make an update.
Have questions? Give us a call, we’re happy to help.
