Gay rights campaign challenges Michigan signature requirements in court
"A campaign to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in Michigan is suing the state in hopes of easing requirements for getting its proposal before voters during the COVID-19 pandemic."
"Under current law, the campaign would have to turn in 340,047 valid signatures by Wednesday...The campaign collected 134,000 signatures before the pandemic hit, but had collected only 177,000 by Sunday, according to the press release...The group is seeking a declaration that the enforcement of the current requirements against it is unconstitutional. It also wants to reduce the number of signatures required to 127,518 and to extend the deadline to July 13."
CTV remains concerned that the proposed language of this ballot initiative will lead to an increase in discrimination, because the proposal does not allow or religious exemption. The ballot proposal would inadvertently create a specially protected class that compromises the constitutional rights of others. Even in trying to create a legislative policy, this group is asking to be the exception to the rule that applies to every other ballot initiative and political group. CTV will continue to monitor this issue and keep you informed.
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