Politics & Government
Mayor Confident City Will Come Together for Human Rights
In his State of the City address Tuesday, Mayor Jim Ellison saved his most passionate remarks for the passing of a human right ordinance in November.
After addressing public safety, legacy costs, roads and parks during his State of the City remarks on Tuesday, Royal Oak Mayor Jim Ellison delivered a passionate plea about acceptance, solidarity and his hopes that Royal Oak will strengthen its commitment to human rights in November.
"One of the things I’m hearing - overwhelmingly from young professionals, and increasingly from our long-time residents – is their support for a human rights ordinance in town," Ellison said. "After all, public perceptions have evolved, the Supreme Court has spoken and increasingly restrictive and discriminatory measures are being shot down at the ballot box compared to just five years ago."
Voters in Royal Oak will decide on Nov. 5 whether or not to prohibit discrimination in employment, housing or public accommodation on the basis of a variety of factors including sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status.
The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1976 protects people on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, weight, height, familial or marital status. But it does not offer protection on the basis of sexual orientation.
Opponents succeeded in forcing the human rights ordinance passed by commissioners in March to a vote after submitting the required 746 valid signatures of registered voters in April.
"The city commission has already stood with all the people of Royal Oak to approve a human rights initiative. We feel confident that in November the voters will agree with our decision – it’s the just and the right choice and makes clear economic sense," Ellison said.
Some municipalities — such Ferndale, Birmingham, East Lansing and Ann Arbor — have approved their own ordinances that extend protections to gays and lesbians."
"One Royal Oak applauds Mayor Ellison's continued support and leadership on this very important issue," said Allison Vankuiken, campaign manager for One Royal Oak. "The people of Royal Oak are ready to stand behind our leaders and make sure all people - including gay and transgender folks - are treated fairly and equally by the laws of our city."
About One Royal Oak
Residents interested in learnng more about One Royal Oak can stop by Cafe Muse Tuesday, July 30 for a Mad Men-themed benefit."If you watch 'Mad Men' (on the AMC network), you know it's a throwback to the days when discrimination was normal," Vankuiken said. "Things are obviously a lot better than they were in the 60s, but we still have a ways to go."
Tickets to the event are $35 and include wine tasting and light hors d'oeuvres at Cafe Muse. Click here to learn more.
Royal Oakers can also visit oneroyaloak.wordpress.com for more information.
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