Michigan Bars Trans Discrimination

Michigan’s trans folk have something to be thankful this week. An executive order from Governor Jennifer Granholm forbids state employers from discriminating based on “gender identity or expression.” Queer rights group Triangle Foundation marked the remarkable move:

We applaud Governor Granholm for her integrity and leadership in sending a message that discrimination will not be tolerated. With this move the Governor is setting an example for all employers that people should be judged by their ability to do the job. We can only hope that our national leaders…will share our Governor’s vision.

We wish our national leaders had any vision at all!

Triangle Foundation’s fearless leader Scott Kosofsky reminds readers that privately employed queer folk still fall outside the order’s parameters. He has not, however, given up hope:

We are confident that our Governor’s example will help to bring about fair and inclusive employment practices in the private sector, as well as help move the state legislature to finally amend the state’s civil rights law, the Elliott-Larsen Act, to fully protect against discrimination based on both gender identity and sexual orientation.

Now that would be something to celebrate.