The bill amends the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act by updating definitions and prohibitions against discrimination, notably removing "gender identity or expression" from the list of protected categories in areas such as employment, housing, and public accommodations. While it retains protections against discrimination based on religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, height, weight, familial status, and marital status, it also clarifies definitions related to familial status and the responsibilities of employers, labor organizations, and educational institutions in preventing discrimination. Additionally, the bill introduces new language to ensure equal enjoyment of public accommodations and services without discrimination and emphasizes confidentiality regarding arrest records when no conviction results.

Moreover, the bill enhances anti-discrimination measures in real estate transactions by prohibiting discriminatory practices such as refusing to negotiate, misrepresenting property availability, and making discriminatory statements in advertisements. It bars landlords from denying tenancy based on a tenant's source of income, including emergency rental assistance, while clarifying that these prohibitions do not apply to landlords with fewer than five rental units. The bill also addresses discrimination in financial assistance related to real estate transactions, ensuring applicants are not discriminated against based on the previously mentioned characteristics, and voids any conditions on property use based on these characteristics. Overall, the amendments aim to strengthen civil rights protections while removing specific references to gender identity.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 37.2102