what are the gay rights in michigan?

Question

my boyfriend was just recently fired from his job for no reason....the same manager made comments to me about being gay and same to him and behind our backs, im thinking of making it a lawsuit but not sure what all the rights are, can someone help?

Answer 1

Without a legitimate reason to fire your friend, you could have a possible wrongful termination suit on your hands. However, if your friend was doing a crappy job at work, and also happened to be gay then you would have no case. You have the same rights as anyone else, you can't just be fired for no reason. If the company isn't downsizing, and you're doing a good job, you have a case. But you need to decide if it's worth fighting. If it's a minimum wage fast food job, you might consider letting it slide, as legal fees and time spent in court may not be worth it. But again, it's really up to you. I would suggest getting in touch with some local GLBT advocacy groups, such as PFLAG.

Answer 2

Apparently there is a current controversy regarding alleged employment discrimination of Gays in Michigan. Here is a link to more info about that
http://www.hrc.org/Template.cfm?Section=Home&CONTENTID=14719&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm

Of course I do not know if you or your friend is gay or not. That is another issue.
It is also not clear to me from your question if you are saying that the manager said the manager is gay.

Many states have employment law such that any employee may quit without notice, or may be fired without reason given. You need to determine if that includes Michigan. If it does, then your only actionable complaint is whether you can prove that the manager made the "gay" remarks. This could be difficult, since 100% of the potential witnesses may be interested in staying employed & getting a steady paycheck.

During the 1960's the federal government passed legislation known as "Civil Rights" which were subsequently amended several times. You need to check them out to be sure, but my understanding is that they banned all kinds of discriminatory practices on the basis of
* race
* religion
* gender
* age
* gender preferences

Here's a link to recent legislation regarding Gay Rights in Michigan, but not precisely your question.
http://atheism.about.com/b/a/155961.htm

You may be able to find useful links from there to other Gay Rights in Michigan

Answer 3

First off, good for you for not letting them get away with this. You can file a wrongful termination suit. Most states have a law that no one can be fired based on race, religion, sexual orientation, etc. The only problem is, when they catch wind of a possible law suit, they may try to nit-pick details that would be another cause for dismissal. It's going take some crafty work on your part to prove this man is a homophobe. Look around and try to find yourself a Gay Rights lawyer, hopefully with prior experience in a similar situation.

I'm so tired of homosexuals being treated unfairly based on something that is out of their control. Ask anyone to give you a reason that homosexuality is wrong WITHOUT bringing religion into it, and they have NOTHING!!!

Good luck, not that you need it, but because you are fighting for what is right!!!!!!

Answer 4

I don't know if the lawsuit would work well, Michigan law does not address discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. You could most certainly try though, you might have a case. I mean sexual orientation really has no bearing n job performance.

Plumbingfool, STFU.

Answer 5

You have the right to be gay in Michigan. Have at it. The public just doesn't need to or want to know about it. If you want to start a lawsuit over it, it better be in Detroit. I don't think it will fly anywhere else. Not bashing. Just my opinion.

Answer 6

You need to speak with an attorney IN YOUR AREA. Look in the phone book. Most attorneys will do an initial consultation for FREE. It is worth your time to make such an appointment.

Answer 7

maybe city ordinances in Ann Arbor or Detroit covering some employees, but Gays are not a otherwise a protected class and without a contract, employees at will.