ROYAL OAK – Equality Michigan has made a $5000 contribution to the One Royal Oak, the YES on Proposal A ballot initiative campaign. The campaign is educating voters in Royal Oak on the importance of voting YES on Proposal A this November. A YES on Proposal A vote would provide equal legal protection for LGBT people from discrimination. The ballot initiative resulted from a challenge by Michigan’s anti-LGBT industry to an ordinance passed earlier this year by Royal Oak’s elected officials which expanded the city’s Human Rights Ordinance to include LGBT people.
“To the surprise of most people, it is still legal to fire someone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity in Michigan. No one should fear losing their job, housing, or other essentials simply because of the gender of who they love,” said Emily Dievendorf, Equality Michigan’s managing director. “Equality Michigan is confident that voters in Royal Oak will stand with their elected officials and vote yes on equality and fairness for all people in Royal Oak.”
One Royal Oak is a ballot question committee working to secure a “YES on Proposal A” vote. If Proposal A is approved this November, it will show Royal Oak remains open and welcoming to all people regardless of their differences. The campaign is seeking volunteers and supporters from now through this year’s November election. People interested in supporting the effort should contact Equality Michigan or visit One Royal Oak online at www.oneroyaloak.org for information.
“The board, staff, and members of Equality Michigan are committed to ending the harm caused to LGBT families in Michigan by outdated laws. From supporting campaigns like One Royal Oak to lobbying for a LGBT inclusive amendment to our statewide anti-discrimination law, Equality Michigan is advocating respect and fairness for LGBT workers and families,” said David Wait, chairperson of Equality Michigan’s board. “We are pleased to be in a position to provide this contribution to the work in Royal Oak and look forward to celebrating a win this November.”
Equality Michigan, the only statewide anti-violence and advocacy organization serving Michigan’s LGBT communities, supports victims of anti-LGBT discrimination, harassment, and violence. The organization also supports efforts around the state to modernize Michigan’s laws to provide equal protections from discrimination to LGBT people. In addition to support the Royal Oak ordinance, the organization is also working with state lawmakers to update Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include LGBT workers and families.
Via press release
