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Tagged: Holland is Ready

Law
2:23 am
Wed June 27, 2012

In Holland, mixed response on protections for LGBT community

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Credit Lindsey Smith / Michigan Radio
"Ignorance is not bliss," Resident Bin Lim said in response to those opposed to exanding protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity. "Fear is the big elephant in the room."
Credit Lindsey Smith / Michigan Radio
"Adding these protections is going to come at the expense of others' rights," Jeff Johnson said, "Our first amendment religous rights are precious and need to be protected."
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Michigan’s Civil Rights Department heard more than two hours of testimony Tuesday night about whether the state should expand protections to gay, bisexual and transgender people. It’s a hot issue in Holland. More than 200 people packed Holland City Hall.

State law bans discrimination in housing and employment based on some factors - like race, gender, and national origin. But there are no such protections for people who are gay or transgender. That means a landlord, condo association or employer can legally discriminate based on a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation.

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Politics
11:36 pm
Wed January 18, 2012

Holland group fighting for anti-discrimination laws accepts social justice award

Credit Lindsey Smith / Michigan Radio
Holland Is Ready leader Rev. Jen Adams accepts the City's Social Justice Award. "We smile not only because there is a little humor here, but because there is also hope here," Adams said.
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A community organization in Holland has accepted an award from the city after unsuccessfully lobbying for an anti-discrimination law there.

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Culture
6:00 am
Mon January 2, 2012

Holland to award “Holland Is Ready” its social justice award

Credit Lindsey Smith / Michigan Radio
A Holland is Ready bumpsticker.
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Holland is Ready will get one of the city’s social justice awards later this month. The award comes six months after Holland City Council rejected proposed anti-discrimination rules. A citizen nominated the group for consideration.

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Politics
5:30 am
Mon November 7, 2011

Fight for anti-discrimination ordinance continues in Holland

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Credit Seth Thompson / Epiglotic Photographic
'Until Love is Equal' founder Erin Wilson holds his son Julian. Next to him are his wife Amy, son Riley and daughter Siona. The group sell t-shirts, sweatshirts and bumper stickers to raise awareness.
Credit Lindsey Smith / Michigan Radio
Rev. Bill Freeman reads from his copy of the U.S. Constitution during a packed public hearing on the proposed changes in June 2011. Freeman first requested city council to study the issue in the spring of 2010.
Credit Lindsey Smith / Michigan Radio
Combat veteran Michael Tuffelmire sells Until Love is Equal T-shirts at a cook out before a march in Holland in August 2011. 'It’s time to like step up and say everybody is equal under the law,' Tuffelmire said.
Credit Lindsey Smith / Michigan Radio
A small sign is posted outside The Piper Restaurant just outside Holland. The owner donated space and staff volunteered time for a fundraising gala for Until Love is Equal in October.
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This is a local version of a national story that aired on NPR's 'All Things Considered' Saturday.

Last June the city council in Holland voted 5-to-4 against adding sexual orientation and gender identity to its local anti-discrimination laws. Federal and Michigan laws protect residents from discrimination in housing and employment – but not based on a person’s sexuality or gender identity.

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