State Representative Pauline Wendzel is firing back at a special Berrien County GOP task force that is reviewing recent votes of elected officials and considering censuring her based on her support of expanding civil rights protections.
In the days following the Michigan Legislature’s approval of expanding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, Berrien County GOP leaders formed an eight-member task force to “study the legislation and make recommendations.”
Local GOP leaders characterized the move as an effort to ensure elected Republicans, “act in alignment with Republican values,” and when they don’t, to “give them clear and decisive feedback.”
In response to questions about the task force review and possible censure, Rep. Wendzel issued a statement on Wednesday defending her vote saying, “Discrimination is wrong – period. The people I serve are concerned about the rising cost of daily life, their tax dollars being spent on foreign corporate welfare, and attacks on the 2nd Amendment. I’m a commonsense problem solver, and I’m remaining focused on delivering results for every resident of Southwest Michigan.”
Task force actions reportedly under consideration include a written censure, and potentially not letting her speak at, or even attend the upcoming Lincoln Day dinner.
A party official confirmed the work of the task force is still underway.
