JACKSON, Mich. — The Michigan ACLU is setting a plan of action in place for the month of June, which is National Pride Month.
Fox 47's Cryss Walker was in Jackson for an informational meeting where the LGBTQ community talked about the challenges ahead.
The rights to housing, public accommodation and education were some of the concerns raised Wednesday night.
“Jackson recently passed the NDO, the non-discrimination ordinance which gave protections to the LGBT,” said Jackson Pride Center Chair Karyl Baker.
“It's important to realize that that does not extend outside of the city.”
Leaders from the center hosted a public discussion about the landscape of the LGBTQ community in Michigan.
“A lot of our youth have no idea about sexual identity,” said community advocate Carl Struble.
“A lot of those kids are gay and lesbian but they're having to keep that quiet and they're not learning about what it's like to be a gay or lesbian person.”
Issues surrounding Michigan's Elliot Larsen Civil Rights Law were examined and how it can be applied against LGBTQ discrimination.
“Our state's civil rights law does not specifically protect LGBT people from discrimination,” said ACLU Staff Attorney Jay Kaplan.
“We don't have the category of sexual orientation or gender identity in them and we need to amend that.”
If you or someone you know is facing discrimination you can file a complaint with the Michigan Civil Rights Commission.
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