Press release from The Triangle Foundation, December 23, 2003

[posted here 1-5-04]

(Lansing, MI) - Today Michigan became the tenth state to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in state employment by Executive Directive. Executive Directive 2003-24 bans discrimination based on sexual orientation for nearly 55,000 state employees in Michigan's Executive Branch of Government. This represents 95% of all state employees.

"We are overjoyed by Governor Granholm's Executive Directive issued today that effectively bans employment discrimination based on sexual orientation among most employees of the State of Michigan," said Jeffrey Montgomery, Executive Director of Triangle Foundation. "The opportunities and protections this will afford gay, lesbian and bisexual people are direct reflections of the Governor's vision of an inclusive and fair Michigan and a state that appreciates and values all of its citizens."

"Governor Granholm has proudly signed this executive directive and noted that the employment practices of state government should promote public confidence in the fairness and integrity of government and should reflect a commitment to equal employment opportunities," said Liz Boyd, press secretary for Governor Granholm. "Governor Granholm is grateful to all the community organizations that provide input on this executive directive."

"Triangle Foundation is very proud of the role we have played in bringing about this essential change in state policy, and we applaud the willingness and ready reception by the Governor to make it so," said Sean Kosofsky, Director of Policy for Triangle Foundation. "We are confident that, by example, the Governor will help to bring about fair and inclusive employment practices in the private sector, as well as help move the Legislature to finally amend the state's civil rights law, the Elliott-Larsen Act, to fully protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Legislature has blocked fairness for far too long."

"This is a terrific first step in protecting from discrimination. Triangle Foundation will continue to work diligently to ensure that all state employees are covered by this policy including prohibitions on discrimination based on gender identity or expression. It is still very difficult for many GLBT people to be "out" at work, but this new policy sends a signal that we are valued for what we bring to the workplace and that we can bring all of who we are to work," concluded Kosofsky.

"This administration has been unwavering in its assurance that everyone in the state will have an equal chance to succeed and that performance and excellence will be the measures by which a person's employment status will be evaluated," Montgomery said. "Today's directive is a great example of what can be accomplished when the leadership is forward-looking and steadfast in a commitment to fairness and looking out for all the people of Michigan. For at least the last decade we were not so fortunate, and equality was not a high priority."

Triangle Foundation is Michigan's leading civil rights, advocacy and anti- violence organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

Also:
Equal Partners in Faith applauds Michigan anti-gay discrimination ban   [1-5-04]

"LGBT state employees in Michigan's Executive Branch of Government no longer have to fear losing their jobs because of their sexual orientation," said EPF Director Dr. Sylvia Rhue.

Governor Jennifer Granholm, by Executive Directive, made Michigan the tenth state to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in state employment.

"The nearly 55,000 state employees protected by the directive are a step closer to full citizenship," said Dr. Rhue. "We applaud Governor Granholm's commitment to social justice and equality for LGBT people.

"We also applaud the hard work of the Triangle Foundation, and other social justice advocates in Michigan," said Dr. Rhue. "Their dedication helped make this possible."

EQUAL PARTNERS in FAITH is a multi-racial national network of religious leaders and people of faith committed to equality and diversity. Our diverse faith traditions and shared religious values lead us to affirm and defend the equality of all people, regardless of religion, race, ability, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity. As people of faith, we actively oppose the manipulation of religion to promote inequality and exclusion.

Equal Partners in Faith
1040 Harbor Drive
Annapolis, MD 21403

Phone: 877-501-4194
Email: EPFinfo@aol.com
Web: www.us.net/epf