While some conservative states are toughening restrictions on the LGBTQ+ community, and American companies are eliminating DEI programs, Michigan is expanding its hate crime law to include LGBTQ+ identities.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed the bill adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the state law in late January alongside a companion bill amending sentencing guidelines for hate crimes, according to LGBTQ Nation.
The original hate crime bill was passed in 1988, and has been known as the ethnic intimidation law. The law originally applied to religion, ethnicity, and race, but the new law will extend to LGBTQ+ identities, sex, age, disability, national origin, and affiliation with these groups. With these protections Whitmer signed a total of 19 bills to promote school and firearm safety, criminalize sextortion, and provide other civil protections.
Whitmer’s bill protecting LGBTQ+ people was initially proposed in 2023, and sparked controversy amid claims it would criminalize misgendering people. “Michiganders should feel safe whether they’re watching a movie at home or heading into the classroom,” she said. “That’s why I’m proud to sign these 19 commonsense bills that will keep Michigan families and neighborhoods safe from gun violence and other violent crimes.”
Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel applauded Whitmer’s legislation saying “Over the past decade, we have seen not just an uptick in hate crimes, but a normalization of racist, antisemitic, and bigoted language, symbolism and actions – including a close adviser to the President giving the Nazi salute during an inaugural rally just this week.”
“It’s incumbent upon those of us with the authority to unilaterally denounce such sentiments; otherwise, there’s no stopping this behavior,” she continued. Nessel noted the changes to the state’s statutes were long overdue.
LGBTQ Nation reports a first offense for committing a hate crime against a protected class is punishable with a fine of $5,000 and/or up to two years behind bars.
Whitmer has made public safety a priority during her time in office and intends to continue to do so. “Since I took office, we’ve invested over $1.6 billion into public safety programs across six balanced, bipartisan budgets, ensuring Michiganders can feel safe no matter where they are. Together, let’s keep making a real difference in people’s lives.”
