I oppose SB4 because the lack of a religious exemption. This bill will not stop the lawsuits that continue to go through our judicial system, but it will tip the scales against our religious institutions. I supported an amendment to create a religious exemption. These exemptions are common in other states’ statutes. This issue could have been resolved today in a bipartisan manner, but now will continue to be an issue that will need further debate and heartache.”
Rep. Bollin, having reserved the right to explain her protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement:
“Mr. Speaker and members of the House:
I am opposed to the expansion of the Elliot-Larsons Civil Rights Act because there are no protections or consideration for religious liberties or exemption. Courts have rendered that these expansions are already protected under the existing law. “
Rep. Lightner, having reserved the right to explain her protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement:
“Mr. Speaker and members of the House:
The passage of this bill is something that is duplicative. There has been a court case that already identified sexual orientation and gender identity under the protected category of sex.”
Rep. Aiyash moved that House Bill No. 4003 be placed on its immediate passage.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
House Bill No. 4003, entitled
A bill to amend 1976 PA 453, entitled “Elliott-Larsen civil rights act,” by amending the title and sections 102, 103, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 209, 301, 302, 302a, 402, 501, 502, 504, 505, and 506 (MCL 37.2102, 37.2103, 37.2202, 37.2203, 37.2204, 37.2205, 37.2206, 37.2207, 37.2209, 37.2301, 37.2302, 37.2302a, 37.2402, 37.2501, 37.2502, 37.2504, 37.2505, and 37.2506), the title as amended by 1992 PA 258, sections 102, 502, 504, 505, and 506 as amended by 1992 PA 124, sections 103 and 301 as amended by 1999 PA 202, section 202 as amended by 2009 PA 190, section 302a as added by 1992 PA 70, and section 402 as amended by 1993 PA 216.
Was read a third time and passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, by yeas and nays, as follows: