There was discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community since before Michigan voters passed Proposal 2 in 2004.
The bill put into writing what had been already happening.
Now, almost three years after its passing, systematic discrimination continues in the state. Many universities are being forced to reconsider issuing same-sex domestic partnership benefits after the city of Kalamazoo announced a June 30 end date for such coverage.
At MSU, there are 54 people who currently use domestic partnership benefits.
The state is taking one thing after another away from its LGBT citizens. And for what greater good?
Proposal 2 defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
The argument has been made that voters were not aware of the far-reaching implications of this bill. Perhaps if they had been aware it would take away health insurance from same-sex partners, they would not have voted for it.
Voters' motives aside, they did vote for it, and it does have drastic and troubling ramifications.
The fact is the rights of the minority were put up for a majority vote.
The responsibility of the government is to protect all of its citizens, and the minority is the one group that needs the protection most. By singling out an entire group of people, the state is turning them into, essentially, second-class citizens. This is something no one should have to face, living in a democratic nation.
Several universities and public institutions are looking for ways to bypass the law and still provide coverage.
Currently, MSU is working on a new pilot program that would continue offering health and dental insurance for domestic partners.
The university is attempting to find ways around the law, like buying coverage for employees.
Similarly, The University of Michigan plans to alter its current policy to continue providing benefits to same-sex couples.
It is vitally important to have equal opportunity for all, especially in the university setting. Public universities need to have the best faculty and staff they can, regardless of sexual orientation.
How else would awareness of issues like this spread to the next generation of students? These institutions must be places where all can feel welcome, and the spread of multiple viewpoints should be encouraged.
Five employees at MSU are part of a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, aimed to maintain same-sex partnership benefits statewide.
This lawsuit gives a glimmer of hope for the future of the state. This is an important step to take to ensure the equality of all the state's citizens.
