Mich. Town Considers LGBT-Inclusive Non-Discrimination Ordinance

A southwestern Michigan community is considering an ordinance that would ban discrimination in employment, public accommodation and housing practices.

The Kalamazoo Gazette reports a first reading was planned for Monday night by trustees in Kalamazoo County's Kalamazoo Township.

The draft ordinance bans discrimination based "in whole or part on the actual or perceived race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, height, weight, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical or mental ability, gender identity, sexual orientation or genetic information of another person."

Trustee Mark Miller says he modeled Kalamazoo Township's draft ordinance after one from the city of Kalamazoo and another Michigan township.

If adopted, anyone alleging discrimination under the ordinance would submit a written complaint.

A violation of the ordinance could bring a fine, from $75 to $500.