Making a More Inclusive Wayne County a Reality
On October 1st, the Wayne County Commission passed a Human Rights Ordinance to protect citizens against discrimination.
As a Michigander born and raised, I know that Michigan is a fantastic place to live, work, and raise a family. Sadly, this isn’t the reality for every citizen in our great state. Due to lapses in Michigan state law, discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation is not a part of the nondiscrimination statute that protects the civil rights of our citizens. The Wayne County Commission is working to ensure that these protections are the reality for everyone — no matter your race, religion, or sexual orientation.
Discrimination in religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial status, or marital status is illegal under Michigan’s anti-discrimination statute, the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1976. Discrimination against sexual orientation or gender identity is not explicitly banned. These protections are a mainstay of our state’s civil rights protections, and although additional protected classes have not been added at the state level, that doesn’t stop us from doing the right thing here in Wayne County.
On October 1, 2020 the Wayne County Commission unanimously adopted a human rights ordinance that prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, age, height, weight, family status, condition of pregnancy, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, HIV status, veteran status, or political affiliation. This ordinance also bans discrimination in housing, public accommodations, and employment.
To enforce this new ordinance, a new seven-member Human Rights Commission will be appointed by the Wayne County Executive and approved by the County Commission. This commission will be tasked with receiving and investigating complaints of discriminatory violations and taking proper action against them. This ordinance ensures that all citizens of Wayne County are protected at work and at home, free to live without fear of retribution. You can read the press release with more details on the human rights ordinance on the Wayne County Commission’s website.
I want Plymouth-Canton to continue to be a wonderful place to live and work, no matter who you are. This ordinance ensures just that. Passing meaningful regulations like this is the work of local government; dealing with the issues that directly affect our neighbors. Whether it’s fixing roads, improving parks, or ensuring safety and protections with ordinances like this one, the Wayne County Commission is working to serve your community — because it’s our community too.
Melissa Daub (D-Canton) serves as the Wayne County Commissioner for District 10 which includes Canton Township, Plymouth Township, and the City of Plymouth.
