News & Commentary

Just last week, thousands were celebrating Royal Oak's move to amend the city anti-discrimination ordinance to protect all our neighbors and visitors. However, now a small group is circulating a petition to stop this common-sense law from going into effect.  Take action: Urge your friends to Decline to Sign► Share on Facebook► Tweet this65% of Michiganders support making sure that gay and transgender people, are protected from discrimination. Twenty-one other cities in Michigan and more than 100 across the country who have successfully implemented similar ordinances.“The Royal Oak City Commission passed the human rights ordinance 6 to 1,” said Commissioner Jim Rasor, who participated in the press conference. “This is something that fair-minded people across our city support. It’s good for Royal Oak. That’s why the City Commission voted to support this effort.”Key News and Documents► ACLU Blog | Who's Elliott Larsen? Searching for Equality in MichiganLearn more about issues you care about and take action: become a member, subscribe to our email action alerts, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook. 

The other night I attended the West Michigan Alternative Prom, sponsored by Fountain Street Church. As I walked into the gym, I saw a group of diligent young folks sitting around the table, talking and laughing, having just finished decorating for the prom.I tottered to the kitchen balancing my cake-donation, and my ACLU literature in my hands and thought how fun the evening would be for everyone. Who doesn't like a prom?I attended the chaperone meeting where we discussed safety, our assigned stations, and different responsibilities for the night. And then I took my place behind my ACLU table and watched the students arrive.As they arrived in their gowns and suits, I became aware of a slowly creeping realization. This isn’t just some cute, rainbow-decorated event. This is some serious stuff.There were some issues outside that evening – kids coming by, harassing the LGBT kids. A team of security guards were there, donating their evening to keeping these kids safe. I was struck that even a sweet and innocent prom celebration was marked with an awareness of the bigotry these kids face every day. I realized that although I was just lending support for the evening, these kids are doing what so many busy, stressed, self-absorbed adults don’t have the courage to do.They are living lives of authenticity, right here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They are taking a stand for believing in the legitimacy of who they are and living it out, despite a world full of hatred and discrimination.The kids inside spent the rest of the night dancing their hearts out, enjoying themselves. I drove off to dinner with friends and talked about my evening, and lessons (hopefully) learned.

Shortly after the New Jersey legislature passed its marriage equality bill earlier this year, I drafted a letter to Gov. Chris Christie.Many around the country did the same to urge the Governor to sign the bill into law.How could I not?In part, I wrote:"I am compelled to let you know that denying anyone the right to marry is not a battle that young people are willing to fight. My peers, both Republicans and Democrats, don't view homosexuality as any less than heterosexuality.”Before I could even put a stamp on the envelope, Gov. Christie vetoed the bill.

Lately, I've been hearing a lot of talk here in Western Michigan about the mysterious Elliott Larsen.Seems like everyone is meeting, planning, forming opinions, and talking about this “Elliott Larsen” over coffee.  Even my good friend Susan asked me in a hushed voice, "Just who is this Elliott Larsen?"As it turns out, Elliott Larsen isn’t a person – it is an Act.

The singing ghost of Benjamin Franklin can protect you from police brutality, now that actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt and the Gregory Brothers (creators of the awesome Auto-Tune the News) have teamed up with the ACLU.

&nbs

No matter how many lawyers we throw at some issues, it's the activism of our members and supporters that creates positive change both locally and nationwide. In this week's Rights Review, read more about how public outcry is driving change on ending school bullying, defying censorship in Plymouth-Canton, and fighting the discriminatory ban on domestic partnership benefits for some public employers.