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, which includes religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, height, weight, familial status, and marital status. It clarifies that discrimination based on sex encompasses sexual harassment and expands the definition of "familial status" to include individuals under 18 living with a parent or custodian. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of employers, labor organizations, and educational institutions to prevent discrimination and ensure equal access to services and opportunities, while providing enforcement mechanisms through the civil rights commission and the department of civil rights.

Additionally, the bill enhances anti-discrimination measures in real estate transactions by prohibiting landlords from denying tenancy based on a tenant's source of income, including emergency rental assistance, and from misrepresenting the availability of rental units. It specifies that these provisions do not apply to landlords with fewer than five rental units and establishes that any conditions limiting property use based on the aforementioned characteristics are void. The bill aims to strengthen protections against discrimination in housing, ensuring fair access for all individuals while maintaining certain existing protections.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 37.2102