What is LEAD?
Local Electeds Against Discrimination: Elected officials from across the State of Michigan who proudly stand together in support of non-discrimination protections for gay and transgender residents.
Where do I sign up and learn more about LEAD?
If you’re an elected official, please click here to learn more and sign up!
Who has signed the LEAD statement?
More than 100 elected officials from across the state have signed! Click here to see a full list.
What if I’m not an elected official?
Click here to get involved in our Don’t Change Yourself, Change the Law campaign.
What’s the full LEAD statement?
Local Electeds Against Discrimination (LEAD)
We, the undersigned elected officials from across the State of Michigan, proudly stand together in support of non-discrimination protections for gay and transgender residents.
All hardworking people in our state, including those who are gay or transgender, should have the chance to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families. No one should have to live in fear that they could be legally fired for reasons that have nothing to do with their job performance – especially in this uncertain economic climate.
We personally know many gay and transgender people living in our cities who actively contribute to their communities, are model employees, and should be treated fairly and equally just like all other Michigan residents.
We are proud that 18 cities across our state have put non-discrimination protections into law, and we urge our colleagues, not just in other cities, but our colleagues in both houses of the state legislature, to enact similar legislation. Diversity helps to keep our cities strong, and our gay and transgender residents are a part of that diversity.
We know that young, bright, creative-minded professionals are more likely to choose places that foster diversity and inclusion. They are just the kind of workers, thinkers, and doers that Michigan needs to help revitalize our economy.
We are proud to stand for non-discrimination protections, at the municipal, state, and at the federal level. That’s why we’re pushing for the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to be amended to include sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. That’s why we’re doing all we can to foster diversity and inclusion in our cities. And that’s why we are proud to be Michiganders.
News Coverage of LEAD:
Lansing State Journal
Lansing-area officials join movement against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity
Muskegon Chronicle
Muskegon Heights councilwoman shows support for gay, transgender protections
WLNS
Local Leaders Gather To Show Support For LGBT Equality
Michigan Radio
Some local elected officials want to add sexual orientation to Michigan’s civil rights law
Jackson News
Gay rights group announces support from two more Jackson City Council members
Kalamazoo News
Southwest Michigan Politics: Local politicians sign gay-inclusive non-discrimination protections
State News
Elected officials take stand against sexual orientation discrimination
Jackson News
Jackson City Councilman Derek Dobies to attend gay rights news conference