Text of MI SR 182 (2016)

Senators Warren, Ananich, Hertel, Bieda, Gregory, Hopgood and Hood offered the following resolution: Senate Resolution No. 182. A resolution to urge the Governor to ban nonessential state business travel to North Carolina and other states that have enacted laws that are unwelcoming to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) persons. Whereas, North Carolina has enacted legislation blocking local governments from passing anti-discrimination ordinances that ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Furthermore, North Carolina's dangerous and discriminatory legislation bars transgender persons from using bathrooms and changing facilities that correspond to their gender identity and, instead, requires them to use only facilities that match their biological sex assigned at birth; and Whereas, The U.S. Department of Justice has filed suit against the state, the governor, and the University of North Carolina for engaging in a pattern of sex discrimination that violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964; and Whereas, In a free society, the equal rights of all citizens must be protected, and the will of the many cannot be the basis for discrimination against the few. In Michigan, our values compel us to promote fairness, protect the welfare of our citizens, and oppose discrimination; and Whereas, Michigan should not sanction discrimination by allowing state dollars and business to flow to states where equal rights under the law are not respected. Several other states, municipalities, and major companies are refusing to do business in North Carolina based on this principle. Michigan should do the same; and Whereas, So long as a law exists in North Carolina or any other state that creates the grounds for discrimination against some citizens, all requests for state-funded or state-sponsored travel to the state of North Carolina or any similarly situated state should be prohibited, unless it is necessary to enforce Michigan law, meet prior contractual obligations, or for the protection of public health, welfare, and safety; now, therefor, be it Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the Governor to ban nonessential state business travel to North Carolina and other states that have enacted laws that are unwelcoming to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) persons; and be it further Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor.