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Victory for LGBTQ Rights in Jackson

BY BTL STAFF

Jackson Circuit Court Judge Thomas Wilson ruled this morning to accept a consent order between Jackson Together and the City of Jackson that finally allows the city's non-discrimination order to take affect. As of April 11, anti-LGBTQ discrimination is no longer legal in Jackson. Jackson joins over 40 other cities across Michigan that have steadily modernized their laws to protect all citizens over the past 50 years.
"For nearly 20 years, the people of Jackson have been asking their elected officials to outlaw discrimination against the LGBTQ community, and they have finally been heard," said Stephanie White, executive director of Equality Michigan. "Equality Michigan feels incredibly lucky to be able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Jackson Together to help support their long-time efforts and the people of Jackson are lucky to have such heroic and dogged activists fighting for their rights."
After hearing from Jackson Together attorney John Pirich and Jackson City Attorney Bethany Vujov, Judge Wilson approved the Stipulation and Order proposed by Jackson Together and approved by the Jackson City Council in a special session held April 7.
Among other things, the order stipulates that the petitions violated state and local election law and that the City Clerk's certification of the petitions was invalid. It orders that the NDO not be suspended and that it takes immediate effect. The order was signed and entered immediately after the hearing.
Judge Wilson also denied anti-LGBTQ attorney David Kallman's request to appear on behalf of Jackson City Clerk Andrew Wrozek. EQMI has encountered Kallman in the past during NDO efforts. Most recently in 2013 during the One Capitol Region campaign to pass NDOs in Delta, Meridian, and Delhi Townships.
The case was dismissed with prejudice, thereby preventing any further action on this case.
City of Jackson Mayor Bill Jors and Councilman Craig Pappin were the only members of the Jackson City Council to vote against the NDO when it originally passed.

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