Michigan writes gender ideology into law

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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation Thursday, codifying LGBTQ protections into the state's civil rights law, permanently outlawing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Associated Press/Photo by Al Goldis, File

Michigan writes gender ideology into law

Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan signed a law Thursday expanding the state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Whitmer wrote in a tweet, “It’s about damn time.” Whitmer and other supporters of the expansion say her signature will simply ensure civil rights for those in the state, but the legal definition of sexual orientation is unclear.

What does the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act do? The original act from 1976, which applies to employment, housing, public services, and education, prevents discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, nationality, and sex. It includes an exemption for private establishments not open to the public.

Dig deeper: Read A.S. Ibrahim’s column in WORLD Opinions about Islam’s frustration with the political left in the West.