Group behind effort to add LGBT protections to civil rights law appeals signature rejection to Michigan Supreme Court
The group behind an initiative to include sexual orientation and gender identity in the list of protected classes under Michigan civil rights law is appealing a state board’s ruling that they lacked the signatures to proceed. “This is a groundbreaking lawsuit for citizens and we want our supporters and people throughout Michigan to understand what is at stake,” said Trevor Thomas, Fair and Equal Michigan co-chair, in a statement. “We have raised serious concerns far beyond our fight for equal rights. The outcome of Fair and Equal Michigan’s appeal to the Supreme Court may fundamentally impact how ballot campaigns operate in the state moving forward. A second review of the sample prompted by concerns from Fair and Equal Michigan revised that estimate even lower to 263,460 valid signatures.
mlive.comAnn Arbor man accused of attacking transgender woman charged with hate crime
ANN ARBOR, MI – An Ann Arbor man faces multiple felony charges after being accused of attacking a transgender woman in Ann Arbor, cutting her with a box cutter in an alleged act of hate. James Alan Greggs, 59, of Ann Arbor, was arrested and charged in connection with the violent assault of a transgender woman, according to a statement from the Fair Michigan Justice Project. It is believed Greggs assaulted the victim because she is a transgender woman, according to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office. Prosecutors alleged that on June 8 in Ann Arbor, Greggs cut the victim with a box cutter, hit her in the face and strangled her while disparaging her for being a transgender woman, the Fair statement reads. Greggs is currently lodged in the Washtenaw County Jail with bond set at $50,000.
mlive.comMormon sex therapist's ouster stirs worries of shame culture
Sex therapist Lisa Butterworth has long been willing to delve into sensitive sexuality questions with clients who belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Helfer was excommunicated and lost her appeal last month to remain in the faith known widely as the Mormon church — a move critics say reflects the church doubling down on some of its more conservative views on sexuality.
news.yahoo.com23 Detroit Whole Foods employees test positive for COVID-19, city officials say
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 26: A line of customers exhibiting social distancing is shown at a Whole Foods grocery store as the coronavirus pandemic continues on April 26, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued orders of social distancing limiting customers inside of stores in the State due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)DETROIT – The city of Detroit has reported that 23 Whole Foods Market employees have tested positive for COVID-19. Out of 196 employees, 23 tested positive, Fair said. We support any Team Member who is diagnosed positive or placed in quarantine so they can prioritize their health and stay home.
Lawsuit: Southfield police officers used excessive force during arrest causing death of unborn baby
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – A woman is suing the Southfield Police Department and three of its officers alleging that excessive force led her to lose her unborn baby. White gathered her belongings and began packing her car when three Southfield officers, Officer J. Woodside, Officer M. Fair and Officer A. Rucinski, arrived on scene and accused her of being armed, according to the lawsuit. White denied being armed and lifted her shirt to expose her waistline, according to the lawsuit. When Woodside stepped back, Fair deployed his Taser and struck White in the abdomen, according to the lawsuit. According to the lawsuit, White’s baby died on Feb. 22.