BY RICK PLUTA
Michigan Public Radio Network
A group of Lansing-area local elected officials are calling for a common anti-discrimination policy for the entire region surrounding the state Capitol. It would include protections for gay and lesbian people.
Some cities and townships in the Capitol area already have LGBT anti-discrimination ordinances. Others would have to adopt one. 23 local governments across Michigan have similar anti-discrimination laws.
Nathan Triplett is on the city council in East Lansing, which has had an LGBT anti-discrimination ordinance since 1972.
"If we have a common policy across the entire region, it sends a very clear message that this is an area that values diversity and inclusion and is open for business," Triplett said.
Triplett says he and other local officials hope the growing number of communities adopting L-G-B-T protections will persuade the Legislature to amend Michigan's civil rights law. A bill to do that could be introduced soon. There is also a measure under consideration that would preempt local civil rights laws.
Copyright 2013 MPRN