Google “non discrimination ordinance michigan” today and chances are that the city topping search results will be Jackson. Local communities have an important say in how they govern themselves, what standards they want to advocate, and what behaviors they stand against. [1,2]
Fourteen months ago, the people of the City of Jackson adopted its “non-discrimination ordinance for the health, safety, and welfare” of its citizens, effective March 9, 2017. [3,4]
It is the intent of the City of Jackson that no person be denied the equal protection of the laws; nor shall any person be denied the enjoyment of his or her civil rights or be discriminated against because of their actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, height, weight, marital status, physical or mental disability, family status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
This is part of how Jackson Michigan believes it is important to define itself. More than within, it makes a statement to those from without who would consider living there, visiting, working there. It makes a statement about what businesses that might expand, locate, or build there might find attractive — perhaps even preferable — to other venues. And it goes beyond state law, which the communities who chose to pass similar ordinances consider advantageous. [5,6,7,8]
It’s how The City of Saline sees itself as well, having passed its own Non-Discrimination Ordinance last month after a year in the making. That law goes into effect tomorrow. [9,10,11]
Saline businesses, service providers, and residents can get a better idea of what this means from a big picture perspective by taking a look at Municipal Equality Index: A Nationwide Evaluation of Municipal Law, produced by Human Rights Campaign Foundation, Equality Federation Institute in 2015. [12]
Shortly after our Non-Discrimination Ordinance was passed, City Manager Todd Campbell agreed to sit down with Saline Journal to discuss compliance. As the Ordinance itself states, his office serves point on complaints. That’s how enforcement acts are triggered, he noted.
On the eve of implementation here, of course, it’s impossible to predict exactly what that means for Saline in terms of number or character. Jackson had two complaints filed under its ordinance during the first year since it was implemented. [13]
Resources are available specific to Michigan right now and can be helpful in not just compliance, but “understanding,” as Mr Campbell said. For example, in subsequent conversation with Equality Michigan, it was suggested to Saline Journal that a simple place to start might be with a review of non-discriminatory terminology. Be respectful. [14]
For those businesses and retailers looking for even more, full training programs are available. Make the most of the ordinance that is now integral to the future of Saline. [15]
References
- “It passed: Jackson City Council approves non-discrimination ordinance 5-2” Taylor DesOrmeau (February 8, 2017) mLive.
- “City of Jackson adopts LGBT non-discrimination protections” Virginia Gordan (February 8, 2017) Michigan Radio.
- “Ordinance No 2017-_____” (February 8, 2017) mLive.
- “Commonly Asked Questions & Answers About the Non-Discrimination Ordinance” (February 21, 2017) Jackson.
- “Elliott-Larson Civil Rights Act, Act 453 of 1976” State of Michigan.
- “Michigan Civil Rights Commission declines to reinterpret civil rights law to include LGBT” Kathleen Gray (September 18, 2017) Detroit Free Press.
- “Title IX – Police Regulations: Chapter 112 – Non-Discrimination” Ann Arbor, Michigan, Code of Ordinances.
- “Part II – Code of Ordinances, Chapter 58 – Human Relations, Article III – Discrimination, Division 2 – Fair Housing” Ypsilanti, Michigan, Code of Ordinances.
- “Notice of Ordinance Adoption No 793 – City of Saline 3/5/18” Seth Kinker (March 14, 2018) The Sun Times News.
- “City of Saline Municipal Code” City of Saline.
- “Code of Ordinances / 2018 / Ordinance No 793” Saline.
- “Municipal Equality Index” (2015) Human Rights Campaign Foundation, Equality Federation Institute.
- “2 complaints filed via Jackson’s non-discrimination ordinance in first year” Taylor DesOrmeau (February 8, 2018) mLive.
- “Terms to Know” Equality Michigan.
- “Request a Training” Equality Michigan.
