Agency: Attorney General

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel 517-599-2746
Public inquiries: 517-335-7622

LANSING - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel argued before the Michigan Supreme Court (MSC) this morning that the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) prohibits discrimination because of an individual's sexual orientation.

"I have long fought for equal treatment under the law," Nessel said. "I was proud to represent our client agency this morning, as well as the people of our vibrant state. No one should experience barriers to employment, housing, education, or public accommodations and services because of who they are or who they love."

The lawsuit, Rouch World LLC et al v Michigan Department of Civil Rights et al, was brought by businesses that denied services to customers who were either a same-sex couple or an individual who was transitioning their gender identity. In October, on behalf of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) and the director of the MDCR, Nessel filed a bypass application in the Michigan Supreme Court.

"Michigan's LGBTQ+ community deserves full protection under the law so they can live, work, and raise a family without fear of retaliation or discrimination," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. "I applaud Attorney General Nessel's and the Department of Civil Rights' efforts to urge the Michigan Supreme Court to recognize that the ELCRA prohibits-and has always prohibited-discrimination based on sexual orientation. This recognition will allow...

Read Full Story: https://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,4534,7-359-92297_47203-578133--,00.html