By Noah Brasseur
Gov. Whitmer signed legislation that expands anti-discrimination laws to include LGBTQ people on March 16.
The new law is an amendment to a nearly 50-year-old civil rights bill. Known as the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, or ELCRA, it now includes protections for sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expressions.
The ELCRA, passed in 1976, originally banned discrimination based on religion, race, age, sex, marital status, familial status, national origin, weight, and height.
“Expanding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to strengthen protections for sexual orientation and gender identity or expression will prevent Michiganders from being fired from their job or evicted from their home because of who they are or how they identify,” Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II said, according to a press release.
“Our LGBTQ+ friends, family, and neighbors deserve equal protection under the law so they can live their authentic lives, and I want everyone to know that Michigan is a place that will fight for your freedom to be yourself,” Gov. Whitmer said. “Guaranteeing equal legal protections to LGBTQ Michiganders is the right thing to do.”
This is the latest development in Whitmer’s saga with the ELCRA.
In February 2019, she called for the expansion of the act to cover LBGT people, and in December 2021 submitted an amicus brief to the Michigan Supreme Court arguing the language of the act prevented discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Outside of the scope of the Elliott-Larsen Act, Whitmer has shown continued support for the LGBT community. In June 2019, she became the first governor to fly the Pride Flag on a government building.
