Brody's Notes... Equality Michigan Commends Holland Activists Who Demand Equality For LGBTQ Citizens

The writer is Director of Communications for Equality Michigan and can be reached via e-mail at michael@equalitymi.org.

By Michael Gregor | DETRIOT, MICHIGAN -- Despite the Holland City Council’s recent no vote on an inclusive nondiscrimination policy, thousands of residents are organizing in support of equality for gay and transgender citizens. The proposal would have instructed city attorneys to add sexual orientation and gender identity to the city’s nondiscrimination policies. The city council tie was broken by Holland Mayor Kurt Dykstra to produce a final 5-4 vote.

Eighteen other Michigan cities have adopted ordinances that prohibit discrimination in housing and employment against gay people, transgender people or both. Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Saugatuck are among them.

Equality Michigan, a statewide advocacy group that serves victims of discrimination, was disappointed in the vote but praised local activists for their determination.

Denise-Brogan Kator, the Interim Executive Director of Equality Michigan said:

“The Holland City Council vote was irresponsible and a step in the wrong direction. It was clear that most Holland residents want to treat gay and transgender people fairly, yet some council members failed to represent their constituents. We believe that all Holland residents should be able to live without fear of being denied housing because of who they are or losing a job for reasons that have nothing to do with their job performance.

Concerned citizens have done an outstanding job of moving this conversation forward. Thousands of Holland residents, including business owners, have shown the courage to make their city a more welcoming place. We applaud those residents and pledge to support them as they plan to bring this proposal to the ballot.”