Article III, Division 4 of the Marquette City Code, contains the non-discrimination ordinance as passed by the City Commission on December 14, 2015. The intent of this ordinance is to ensure that no person be denied the equal protection of the laws; nor shall any person be denied the enjoyment of his or her civil rights or be discriminated against because of their actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, height, weight, marital status, physical or mental disability, family status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act was passed by the State of Michigan in 1976 to prohibit discriminatory practices, policies, and customs in the exercise of those rights based upon religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial status, or marital status. This act does not include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. Without such protections, someone who is gay, lesbian, transgender, or does not present typically for their sex can encounter legal discrimination.
The Fair and Equal Michigan ballot initiative campaign has been started to amend the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to define “sex” as gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression. This campaign is seeking public support from Michigan Mayors and has requested the support of Mayor Jenna Smith.