The bill amends the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to strengthen protections against discrimination based on a range of characteristics, including religion, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, height, weight, familial status, and marital status. A significant addition is the introduction of the term "ethnicity," which includes a detailed definition recognizing antisemitism as a form of discrimination. The amendments clarify that discrimination based on ethnicity includes various antisemitic behaviors, ensuring these actions are legally acknowledged and addressed. The bill also updates provisions to explicitly prohibit discriminatory practices in employment, housing, public accommodations, and other areas, mandating that employers and organizations promote equal opportunity and maintain confidentiality regarding non-conviction arrest records.

Furthermore, the bill expands anti-discrimination protections in sectors such as private clubs, educational institutions, and real estate transactions. It prohibits discrimination based on the aforementioned characteristics, ensuring that all membership classes in private clubs are accessible without regard to these traits. Educational institutions are also required to provide equal access in admissions and program participation. In real estate, the bill prohibits discrimination in transactions and outlines landlords' responsibilities to avoid denying tenancy based on a prospective tenant's source of income or other discriminatory practices. It voids any conditions in real property transactions that limit use based on the specified characteristics, promoting equal opportunity and access across various sectors.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 37.2102