Land O Links
*Perception and reality in our society: "A Gallup poll reported nearly nine out of ten people think LGBT people are already protected. They are not. And, according to the pollsters, three out of four people believe they should be protected," reports Lester Graham of Michigan Radio.
Michigan's civil rights law, the Elliott-Larsen Act, does not protect sexual orientation in housing or other public accommodations.
It's also legal in Michigan to fire someone for their sexual orientation.
However, as you can see on page 1 of the new law, Michigan’s loan program for dredging harbors affected by lower lake levels does include protections for sexual orientation. A private marina that wants a dredging loan cannot discriminate on that basis.
*A Senate committee voted out a bill to allow hospitals, doctors, etc. to deny services based on their religious views or conscience. Advocates say it protects a health professional’s right to religious freedom. Critics say it amounts to discrimination aimed at certain groups, such as gay residents and women who use birth control.
What’s never really answered in these debates, though, is how government is supposed to discern what is an appropriate and inappropriate religious view. If someone says it goes against their morals to perform an amputation, as one hypothetical, is that protected? If not, why not? Is the individual the arbiter of appropriate conscience or the state?
And if it is the state, isn’t that making lawmakers the gatekeeper on conscience?
*The arts scene is alive and doing quite nicely in U.P.
*Your early alert: PBS’ “Antiques Roadshow” is coming to Detroit on June 1.
*Detroit’s new emergency manager, Kevyn Orr, is profiled: "Kevyn and Donna Orr live in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside Washington, D.C. Their home in the Village of North Chevy Chase -- assessed at nearly $1 million, but unremarkable among the 200 other homes in their affluent neighborhood -- is near a busy corridor crossing from the District's northwest sector to Maryland's Montgomery County."
See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:
- “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
- “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
- “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.
If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!