LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — After signing Executive Order 2020-139 to rename the state-owned Lewis Cass Building in downtown Lansing to the “Elliott-Larsen Building” this past June, Governor Gretchen Whitmer unveiled the building’s new sign Monday.
The new name honors former Republican State Rep. Melvin Larsen and former Democratic State Rep. Daisy Elliot, who sponsored Michigan’s civil rights act in 1976.
Governor Whitmer was joined by Rep. Melvin Larsen and Badriyyah Sabree, granddaughter of Daisy Elliott at the sign unveiling. This change marks the first time in Michigan history that a state building is named after an African-American woman.
The new sign is unveiled for the Elliot-Larsen building in Lansing on Monday, September 21, 2020. (Photo courtesy of the Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer)
“This new name honors the work of Daisy Elliott and Melvin Larsen who, 44 years ago, outlined in law the vision of the more just, equitable Michigan that we continue to strive for even today,” Governor Whitmer said. “Moving forward, we must continue to honor those who have worked to build a stronger Michigan for everyone, regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Of course, our work to expand civil rights in Michigan is not done. It’s time for the legislature to expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to protect members of the LGBTQ+ community and make Michigan a state where more people want to move to for opportunity.”
Former Rep. Melvin Larsen also issued a statement regarding the matter.
“It’s wonderful for me and my family to receive this honor from Governor Whitmer and her administration,” Larsen said. “Considering the history of civil rights in Michigan and all that has been fought for over the years, its important to ensure the future of our state reflects the civil rights values that we all hold to be true. I give special thanks to Daisy Elliott for initiating the idea of legislation all those years ago. The Civil Rights Act is as important today as it was when it was adopted in 1976.”
In 1976, the people of Michigan, led by Daisy Elliott, a former Democratic member of the Michigan House of Representatives, and Melvin Larsen, a former Republican member of the Michigan House of Representatives, passed Public Act 453, known as the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.
The act declared that the right to be free from discrimination is a civil right and expanded constitutional protections to a broader class of individuals.
“The family of Daisy Elliott thanks Governor Whitmer for recognizing the importance of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and for recognizing Daisy Elliott’s contribution to the state of Michigan and its citizens,” said Badriyyah Sabree, granddaughter of Daisy Elliott. “We hope that the citizens of this great state will join us in honoring Daisy by keeping the fight for justice and equity alive until justice and equity is a reality for all people.”
During her first State of the State Address, Governor Whitmer called on the Legislature to expand the state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identification in employment, education, housing and real estate as well as use of public accommodations and public service.
In her first month in office, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Directive 2019-9 to protect LGBTQ+ state employees from discrimination in the workplace. In June of 2019, Governor Whitmer became the first governor to fly the pride flag on a government building.
On June 15th, the governor applauded the United States Supreme Court for ruling that Title VII protects both gay and transgender people from being fired from their jobs on the basis of their sexuality or gender.
The governor acknowledged that there is more work to be done, and again called for the expansion of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.
Whitmer’s office adds that, despite local non-discrimination protections and recent protections extended by the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, no state or federal anti-discrimination laws exist to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from being denied housing or refused service.
