The OutCenter of Southwest Michigan is “over the moon” that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of workplace protections for LGBTQ Americans. Director Mary Jo Schnell tells WSJM News workers across the country are now protected by the Civil Rights Act from being fired due to their sexual orientation or gender.
“It’s amazing,” Schnell said. “We were so surprised, and so elated to hear the news.”
Schell says the decision is a big win, but here in Michigan, there is still a way to go.
“In states like Michigan, we do not have protections across the board, such as public accommodation, such as healthcare, you name it. This is all about employment. It doesn’t include housing, it doesn’t include healthcare.”
Schnell says the Michigan Legislature needs to update the Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act to protect Michiganders from discrimination in areas outside of employment. She was surprised the Supreme Court ruled the way it did, telling us things weren’t looking so good at one point. Schnell said there must have been some serious education going on behind the scenes.
