Alysa Hodgson actively fights for LGBT rights and acceptance with Humans Uniting For An Equal Society - or HUES.
She says it's important to her that she and people like her have the same rights as anyone else. "Right now we have same-sex marriage, but if I'm out at work, I could be fired from my job just for getting married and talking about my wedding," Hodgson said.
Fair Michigan just got approval to start circling a petition to put on the ballot a non-discrimination amendment to the Michigan constitution. It would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity.
"It's time, it's the right moment, it's time to actually help prevent discrimination across the state and ensure that everyone is treated fairly," Sara Wurfel, a spokesperson for the Fair Michigan campaign, said.
Fair Michigan has until mid-July to collect 315,564 signatures. That will put the amendment on the November ballot.
"A statewide ballot initiative is not a small feat. It takes a lot of resources and a lot of effort, but we think that it's time," Wurfel said. Fair Michigan will use volunteers and a professional signature gathering firm to collect the signatures.
Hodgson says if the amendment passes, it will change more than just the law.
"It would send a message that Michigan does not tolerate discrimination against the LGBT community," she said. "The symbolism of it can be very powerful."
Fair Michigan will start collecting signatures in January.
