A Call for Equality: How Michigan Communities Are Forging a Path for LGBTQ+ Non-Discrimination

Imagine the unsettling feeling of losing your job, being denied housing, or facing discrimination in a public place, simply because of who you love or your authentic gender identity.

For many LGBTQ+ individuals in Michigan, this isn't a hypothetical fear; it's a stark reality, one that state law has yet to fully address. But across the Wolverine State, a powerful movement is taking root, driven by local communities stepping up to fill this crucial gap in civil rights protections.

These are the cities and townships leading the charge, creating a growing mosaic of safety and inclusion.

The Unfinished Business of Michigan's Civil Rights Legacy

Michigan proudly boasts the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), a landmark piece of legislation passed in 1976 that prohibits discrimination based on age, religion, race, color, national origin, sex, height, weight, and marital status in areas like employment, housing, and public accommodations.

It was, and remains, a vital protection. However, despite decades of advocacy and repeated legislative efforts, ELCRA has never been amended to explicitly include protections for sexual orientation or gender identity.

Year after year, bills are introduced in the state legislature to expand ELCRA to cover LGBTQ+ Michiganders, only to stall without a vote.

This persistent inaction at the state level leaves countless residents vulnerable, creating a patchwork of rights where a person's fundamental freedoms can depend entirely on their zip code.

In a state that values fairness and opportunity, it's a critical oversight: no one should face the threat of losing their livelihood or home because of who they are or who they love.

A Growing Mosaic of Local Protections

Faced with state-level legislative gridlock, communities across Michigan have taken matters into their own hands.

Starting with East Lansing's pioneering ordinance decades ago, a significant trend has emerged: more than 45 local government agencies have now adopted their own non-discrimination ordinances extending protections to LGBTQ+ individuals. This groundswell of local action underscores a widespread public demand for equality and fairness.

What These Ordinances Cover

These local ordinances typically mirror the intent of ELCRA, aiming to prevent discrimination in three core areas:

Employment: Ensuring individuals cannot be fired, denied a job, or discriminated against in the workplace based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Housing: Prohibiting landlords or property owners from refusing to rent or sell, or from evicting, individuals due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Public Accommodations: Guaranteeing equal access to services, facilities, and goods offered by businesses, hotels, restaurants, and other public spaces.

While the majority of these local laws are comprehensive, providing protections for both sexual orientation and gender identity across all three areas, it's important to note that a few offer only partial coverage.

Some may exclude gender identity and expression, or solely extend protections to housing and public accommodations, omitting employment. Nevertheless, each adopted ordinance represents a vital step forward for the residents of that community.

Spotlight on Pioneering Communities

The commitment to equality is evident in diverse communities across Michigan, from bustling cities to smaller townships:

Howell: Praised by advocacy groups like Equality Michigan, Howell's ordinance was developed in consultation with the local business community, which overwhelmingly supported its adoption.

This demonstrates that protecting LGBTQ+ rights isn't just a social justice issue; it's also seen as good for local economies.
Portage: Following a lengthy and well-attended public meeting, the Portage City Council adopted its ordinance, reflecting significant community engagement and support.
Trenton: Becoming one of the earlier adopters, Trenton's ordinance passage highlighted the growing momentum for local human rights protections, often propelled by elected officials or, in some cases, by direct public vote.
Royal Oak: This city's ordinance stands out as an example where local voters directly approved the protections in a public election, showcasing strong democratic backing for LGBTQ+ equality.
Muskegon: Reflecting a broader societal shift, cities like Muskegon have also embraced these protections, recognizing the importance of inclusive policies for all residents.

The list of Michigan communities that have adopted non-discrimination ordinances is continually growing, creating safe havens for LGBTQ+ residents.

While not exhaustive, these communities represent the breadth of this movement:

City of Adrian
City of Albion
City of Ann Arbor
City of Battle Creek
City of Chelsea
City of Dearborn Heights
City of Detroit
City of East Grand Rapids
City of East Lansing
City of Farmington Hills
City of Fenton
City of Ferndale
City of Grand Rapids
City of Howell
City of Huntington Woods
City of Kalamazoo
City of Lansing
City of Linden
City of Marquette
City of Mt.

Pleasant
City of Muskegon
City of Pleasant Ridge
City of Portage
City of Royal Oak
City of Saugatuck
City of Southfield
City of Trenton
City of Wayland
City of Ypsilanti
Canton Township
Delhi Township
Delta Charter Township
Kalamazoo Township
Lathrup Village
Meridian Township
Oshtemo Township
Saugatuck Township
Traverse City
Union Township

Communities with partial protections include: City of Birmingham (sexual orientation only; housing only), City of Grand Ledge (sexual orientation only), City of Saginaw (sexual orientation only; housing only).

The Tangible Impact: Why Local Ordinances Matter

Beyond legal frameworks, these local non-discrimination ordinances have profound real-world impacts.

They are about more than just legal protections; they're about fostering human dignity, security, and a sense of belonging.

Economic Security: For many, the fear of job loss or housing discrimination is constant. These ordinances provide a critical safety net, allowing individuals to pursue careers and secure housing without the added burden of potential bias.
Dignity and Respect: Knowing that your community officially recognizes and protects your rights can significantly improve mental well-being and reduce the stress associated with potential discrimination.

It signals that you are valued.
Business Appeal: Inclusive communities often attract a more diverse workforce and foster a reputation as welcoming places to live and work. This can be a significant advantage in attracting talent and fostering economic growth.
Foundation for Broader Change: Each local ordinance serves as a testament to public support for LGBTQ+ equality.

It demonstrates to state lawmakers that their constituents are ready for comprehensive civil rights reform, adding momentum to the ongoing push for a statewide ELCRA amendment.

The Path Forward: From Local Momentum to Statewide Change

The groundswell of local non-discrimination ordinances across Michigan sends an undeniable message: Michiganders believe in fairness for everyone.

While these local protections are vital and celebrate worthy progress, they also highlight the urgent need for comprehensive statewide action. No one's rights should depend on municipal boundaries.

The movement continues, fueled by the hope that one day, the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act will finally be updated to reflect the full breadth of human diversity in Michigan, ensuring that protection from discrimination is a right afforded to all, no matter where they call home in the state.