SAUGATUCK TWP. PASSES ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAW

SAUGATUCK TWP. PASSES ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAW
 
 
(DETROIT) Last night the Saugatuck Township Board unanimously (5-0) passed a human rights ordinance that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. This is significant because in the state of Michigan it is still legal to discriminate against people in housing, employment and public accommodations based on someone’s real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. The population of Saugatuck Township is approximately 3,500.
 
“This is a very exciting development,” said Sean Kosofsky, Director of Policy for Triangle Foundation. “State leaders in the legislature have failed to protect gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender workers and other residents in our state, so any movement by a local government body is very welcome. The residents, business owners and workers in Saugatuck Township should be very happy about this development. We also hope the Board will consider offering protections based on gender identity or expression.”
 
“I am so proud of the Saugatuck Township Board recognizing the importance of non-discrimination policies to protect all people,” said Jon Helmrich, co-chair of the Stonewall Democrats of Saugatuck/Douglas. “As a township resident it makes me incredibly pleased to see Saugatuck Township join the city of Douglas to enshrine personal liberties in this way, and I now hope the city of Saugatuck will follow suit to fully recognize the importance of diversity and freedom in our great community.”
 
There are nearly 800 municipalities in Michigan, which makes the need for a statewide law critical.  Until that occurs, municipalities have been passing ordinances at a slow but steady pace. The action by the Saugatuck Township Board brings the number of municipalities in Michigan with such policies to fifteen. They are: Detroit, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, East Lansing, Lansing, Ferndale, Oak Park, Huntington Woods, Grand Ledge, Grand Rapids, Douglas, Saginaw, Flint, Birmingham, and Saugatuck Township.