Whitmer’s order will provide nondiscrimination protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order this morning which prohibits discrimination against LGBTQ people in state employment, public services, and state contracting. Employees of Michigan’s executive branch and state contractors are now protected on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, as is any person accessing programs, services, or activities the state government offers to the public. Whitmer’s order expands previous executive orders signed by former Michigan governors, including former Republican Governor Snyder’s action just last week. This executive order is one of Whitmer’s very first executive actions as Governor.
Masen Davis, CEO of Freedom for All Americans, released the following statement:
“Governor Whitmer’s executive order provides important protections for LGBTQ Michiganders and their families. This action brings Michigan one step closer to being a state where all LGBTQ people are treated fairly and equally under the law. All Americans deserve to know they’ll be treated with dignity and respect in their jobs, their homes, and their communities. We applaud Equality Michigan on this victory and look forward to continue working with our allies across the country to ensure all LGBTQ Americans are fully protected from discrimination.”
Michigan is one of 31 states nationwide that lacks an explicit and comprehensive law protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination. During her gubernatorial campaign, Whitmer expressed strong support for expanding the state’s Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to provide protections for LGBTQ Michiganders. She is the first newly elected Governor to issue a pro-LGBTQ executive order in 2019.
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