By MARISA LORANGER, Staff Reporter.
In Lisa Lawrason’s American Politics class, two students have created a petition that is receiving a lot of attention. Emily Schiesswohl and Kassandra Merritt decided to make a petition titled “Repeal Michigan’s anti-LGBT—Right-to-Discriminate bill.”
“I’m pro gay rights. Their voices aren’t heard. It should be a right for everyone to not be discriminated against,” said Schiesswohl.
Their petition says “…On December 5th, Michigan passed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. With this Act, doctors now have the right to deny the treatment of a person if the person is in fact gay. The doctor would be allowed to deny treatment and claim that his/her religion prevents them from providing treatment. This includes EMTs/paramedics.”
Lawrason’s class started off with students choosing topics they are interested in. The students then grouped together and had the option to write a letter, make a petition or join an interest group.
“We thought [creating a petition] was the most effective way to make a difference,” said Schiesswohl.
They first made the petition and a few people signed it at school. Schiesswohl then posted it on Facebook and it got 100 signatures. Within a few days it reached 400. Someone then chose to promote their petition online and now they are 187 signatures away from reaching their goal of 1,500.
“I didn’t know that Michigan had so many laws against [LGBT] people before I chose this topic,” said Schiesswohl.
The petitions comments are filled with people talking about their frustration with Michigan’s laws.
Erin Wright of Lapeer explained in a comment, “As a lifelong resident of Michigan, I am angry that laws that make bigotry legal exist in the state I love.”
Schiesswohl is really glad to see her petition has made it so far.
“I just really want to say thanks to people for taking the time to be considerate,” said Schiesswohl.