LANSING - MSU students and community members held a rally Tuesday on the steps of the Capitol Building to voice support for legislation that adds sexual orientation as a trait that cannot be discriminated against.
The Alliance of Lesbian-Bi-Gay and Transgendered Students, an MSU student group, organized the rally to bring awareness to the issues that face their community and the legal challenges they face in Michigan.
Alliance member Jeremy Grzymkowski said his group is supporting a proposed amendment to the state’s Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act that makes it illegal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.
“The bill affects everyone, not just gays,” the mechanical engineering sophomore said. “If one group is discriminated against we all could be.”
Grzymkowski contacted groups across the state and encouraged them to show support. Groups such as Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, the Triangle Foundation and the Lansing-area National Organization for Women also attended the event.
About 50 people huddled in the blustery, cold air to hear the speakers on the steps of the Capitol. Groups waved orange, blue and white signs that read, “Equal rights are not special rights.” The crowd clapped politely at the points and encouraged the speakers to preach on.
Susan Shafer, acting press secretary for Gov. John Engler, said those discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation already are covered under federal laws.
However, the activist argued that Michigan needed to join 11 other states that have amended their civil rights laws.
Shafer said Engler feels all residents are protected from crimes, regardless of sexual orientation.
“Anyone who commits any crime should be punished the same,” she said. “Criminals who committed these crimes are behind bars.”
The most powerful and well received speaker was David Garcia, the former Swartz Creek community services director who attempted last year to start a gay and lesbian student group at the Swartz Creek High School, near Flint.
Due to his sexual orientation, Garcia’s work environment became hostile and he later resigned.
“The laws didn’t protect me and my son when I lost my health insurance last fall,” Garcia told the crowd from behind a podium draped with a rainbow colored flag.
His voiced echoed off the office buildings across the street as he criticized Engler and some legislators for not offering support to the amendment.
“Engler has a responsibility to protect all of his citizens, especially students in schools,” Garcia said. “If he just came out in support of better school safety for gay students, regardless of his moral beliefs, that would help.”
Garcia said the MSU students organizing the event were important because they serve as role models for high school students.
One of those students, Tom David, traveled with friends to the Capitol from MSU to show his support.
“By making ourselves visible, some people in the Capitol will see,” the no-preference freshman said.
“When does discrimination stop? When is it OK? I am sorry but discrimination is never OK.”
