The latest: Our attorneys reviewed the Supreme Court decision and the Attorney General released a statement: we still need to amend Michigan's Civil Rights Act. The Court's ruling was not based upon constitutional rights and applied narrowly to federal employment law, not state law. LGBTQ people still face discrimination in local employment, housing, education, public accommodations and services.
Happening at the same time: The Court of Claims recognized that COVID-19 impacted the fundamental constitutional rights of our nearly 200,000 supporters, allowing Fair & Equal to continue to collect signatures until October. This sets up a legislative vote in lame duck session and a defining moment on equal rights this December.
Quick strategy overview: While we are halfway to goal for canvassed signatures (you've collected 150,000 signatures so far), we'll need $1.8 million to build the canvassing operations to gather the rest. We have approximately $1 million in pledges but we are short $875,000. Adding to the challenge: We have a tight timeline as we'll need to launch by July 15.
The decision now: How can we close the $875,000 gap to achieve our goal of prohibiting discrimination against LGBTQ Michiganders and making sure every Michigander has an equal right to succeed?
Tell us how you'll help close the gap:
A) Raising $1,000;
B) Raising $500;
C) Calling 10 people;
D) I have another idea to raise the funds, by emailing: [email protected] so we can follow up.
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Why we fight: As shared in Crain's Detroit Business this week, trans women of color are still suffering the highest levels of discrimination. It is why we started this campaign in January. This effort remains Michigan's best option for equal rights for all.
The impact you'll have: This campaign remains deeply personal for many people: 311,000 adults identify as LGBTQ and at least 61,000 are youth. The Williams Institute reported 32,900 identify as transgender.
No one said making history would be easy. If we can't raise the additional $875,000 in the next two weeks, we do not believe it is possible to continue.
From the bottom of our hearts: Thank you.
Dr. Mira Jourdan, Jeynce Poindexter, Hon. Brandon Dillon, and Trevor Thomas
Co-Chairs, Fair and Equal Michigan