Ypsilanti's city council amended its human rights ordinance to include immigration and gender identity.
That means residents can now file complaints with the city if they feel their human rights were violated for being an immigrant or because of the gender they identify with. The Human Relations Commission has the ability to litigate a civil suit and fine up to $500 for a violation.
Ypsilanti Mayor Amanda Edmonds explains why the city made the change.
"We saw since the presidential election in November--you look at the data that's come out nationally--Michigan has had one of the highest rates of harassment, hate crime instance, et cetera. That is not okay."
The city will also host a public hearing on January 24th for another ordinance they're considering to restrict the solicitation of immigration status.
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— Jorge Avellan is the Ann Arbor beat reporter and anchor for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him javellan@emich.edu
