LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Senate voted Wednesday to ban discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation, marking a legislative turning point that came after decades of debate in state government.
Democrats, who took control of the chamber for first time in nearly 40 years in January, made the bill to expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections for gay and transgender residents an early priority. Republicans had previously blocked similar proposals, arguing the protections infringed on religious rights.
The bill passed 23-15 with three Republicans joining the 20 Democrats in support. There was applause among lawmakers on the Senate floor after the vote. The GOP lawmakers who crossed over to vote "yes" with the Democrats were Sens. Joe Bellino of Monroe, Ruth Johnson of Holly and Mike Webber of Rochester Hills.
