By Journal Staff

LANSING — A state bill to provide legal protections for LGBTQ+ people in Michigan got one step closer to becoming law on Wednesday.

State House lawmakers voted 64-45 in favor of SB 4, which extends the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Eight Republicans voted to approve the bill’s passage. The bill passed the Senate on March 1 in a 23-15 vote.

Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a statement on Wednesday celebrating the bill’s passage.

“This expansion of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act will provide immediate enhanced dignity for thousands of Michiganders and further codify what was intended with its passage nearly 50 years ago: civil rights for all Michiganders to be free from discrimination in employment, public accommodations, public services, housing and educational facilities,” Nessel said. “I am proud that Michigan legislators are committed to making this a state that recognizes LGBTQ+ residents’ value, protects their dignity, and welcomes all.”

House and Senate Republicans worried that the expanded civil rights law would interfere with religious liberty. Rep. Rachelle Smit, R-Shelbyville, said discrimination of any kind is wrong.

“However, this expansion would infringe upon the religious rights of employers and business owners,” Smit said. “Many religious individuals and organizations hold deeply held beliefs about sexuality and gender.”

Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township, spoke on the Senate floor for about 30 minutes in opposition to the bill last week.

“This legislation will create impossible-to-resolve conflicts for churches, individuals, employers and employees,” McBroom said.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also responded after the legislation passed the Senate.

“Every Michigander deserves to be treated with dignity and respect under the law. I’ve been calling for changes to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to strengthen legal protections for our LGBTQ+ community for years, and I am proud that we are finally getting it done,” Whitmer said in an statement. “This is about doing the right thing, and it is just good economics. Bigotry is bad for business, and ensuring these protections will build on our reputation as a beacon of opportunity where anyone can succeed.”

The bill is headed to the governor’s desk. She is expected to sign it.