The people of the United States believe in liberty, equality, and justice for all. We believe in the Constitution, and we believe in the pursuit of happiness and freedom.
Throughout our history, we have fought to safeguard the rights of minorities. The current battle is the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and Two Spirit (LGBT+) population.
The world's first legislation aimed at upholding the rights of an entire class of persons was legislation signed by President Ulysses S. Grant, protecting African Americans from attacks by the Ku Klux Klan in 1871. Since then, federal laws have protected people from discrimination based on sex, race, national origin, religion, age, and disability, but not based on sexual orientation.
Our founders left us one perpetually unfinished task: "Form a more perfect union." The duty bestowed upon Americans is always incomplete. Part of our unfinished work is ensuring rights for all minorities — including members of the LGBT+ community — who are our neighbors, colleagues, and friends.
All Americans should have equal protection under the law, and recognition of their fundamental human rights, including:
Employment
Education
Housing
Freedom from hate crimes
Public accommodations
Healthcare
Marriage equality
With a trifecta Democratic majority, Michigan has recently made great headway on the front of LGBTQ issues. Unfortunately, many states offer few or no protections against discrimination of the LGBT+ community. The Supreme Court decision, Dobbs vs. Jackson, may also threaten to overturn same-sex marriage.
So, we have work to do.
It is simple. We are "One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, one nation, evermore, with liberty and justice for all." It should be illegal to fire, evict, or deny services to minorities.
The foundation from which this country was created is in jeopardy.
We must uphold the values in our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and our Pledge of Allegiance. All Americans should be protected from discrimination.
