11 Year Old Gay Rights Law In Peril
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff

December 4, Flint, Michigan) The conservative American Family Association has set its sights on striking down one of the oldest gay rights laws in Michigan.  

Flint has included gays and lesbians in its anti-discrimination clause since 1990. Sexual orientation also is included in the hate crimes ordinance passed in 1994.

The AFA's Michigan branch says the legislation discriminates against religion.

Gary Glenn said. "the ordinance should be changed because it gives "special status based on homosexual behaviour."

Glen said talks are already under way to challenge the law in the November 2002 election.

To change or repeal the ordinance, supporters would have to collect the signatures of about 1,700 registered voters, which represent 5 percent of the number of votes cast for mayor in the last election, according to the city charter.

The issue then would go before voters citywide.

The AFA has attempted to roll back rights in other Michigan cities. The issue went on the ballot Nov. 6 in three communities: Huntington Woods, Kalamazoo and Traverse City. All three failed to ban protections for gays. Previous efforts at bans in Ferndale and Royal Oak succeeded.

The next scheduled vote is in Ypsilanti in August.

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