Gays, Lesbians Fight For Rights In TC
TRAVERSE CITY -- Gay, lesbian, and transgender rights were front and center Monday night as Traverse City Commissioners discussed an ordinance that would protect their rights.
Under Michigan law a person can be fired from their job even if they’ve done nothing wrong and can even be denied housing because of their sexual orientation. Because of this twenty cities in the state have already passed non-discrimination ordinances and the Traverse City Human Rights Commission presented an ordinance to city leaders based on those.
The ordinance does not apply to churches or religious organizations. The housing section does not apply to landlords in one or two family owner occupied dwellings who are allowed to choose someone based on their own beliefs.
While most city commissioners said they supported the ordinance there is still some concern that if it’s passed, the already over-worked city manager’s office won’t have time to enforce it. Traverse City Mayor Chris Bzdok was not at Monday’s meeting because he is on vacation with his family, but said in a written statement that he supports the ordinance “110%”.
