LANSING – Despite public statements by its leader in Michigan, AT&T says it will only support a fully inclusive bill that protects based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.
"ATT will only support a fully inclusive bill," said Matthew Resch in an email to BTL.
Resch also released a statement from Paul La Schiazza, AT&T Midwest Region President
"AT&T always has and always will support civil rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression," the statement reads. "We applaud Jim Murray for his efforts to expand the Elliot Larson Act to be fully inclusive, and recognize that without his leadership, these initiatives would not have moved forward. We pride ourselves on our commitment to promoting LGBT issues, and will support only a bill that is fully inclusive."
This statement varies significantly from what many players involved in the battle to bring an amendment to Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act have said in relation to Murray's activity in lobbying for an amendment.
Murray himself has conceded in previous interviews with other news outlets that he would be satisfied with a half measure which did not include gender identity and or expression. He used the example of a hungry person ordering a pizza, noting they would be satisfied with "half a pizza."
Murray also took to Facebook on Sept. 10 posting the lyrics to the song "you can't always get what you want," after quoting a story in the subscription newsletter MIRS. In that story, Murray was quoted as saying that gender identity might have to be split from sexual orientation, noting "We have a window of opportunity and I'm going to advocate for something that has 56 'yes' votes in the House and 20 'yes' votes in the Senate."
Activists and lawmakers have told BTL in background interviews that Murray has been advocating a so-called "two-word" solution for the civil rights act since this spring.
Resch would not explain the apparent difference in philosophy on the bills, saying only, "However the legislature decides to move forward, ATT will only support a fully inclusive bill."
AT&T National 'Will Only Support Fully Inclusive Bill' On Civil Rights
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