Nessel to review predecessor's opinion on LGBT protections

DETROIT (AP) - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel will review her predecessor's opinion that state law doesn't protect LGBT people from discrimination .

Nessel gave no timeline for findings but signaled support for the request made last Friday by the Michigan Civil Rights Commission as the board met in Detroit. The Democrat says she wants "to ensure all people who live in and visit our state are treated equally and fairly under the law."

The commission in July directed the Michigan Department of Civil Rights to continue investigating complaints based on sexual orientation and gender identity, despite then-Attorney General Bill Schuette's opinion. The Republican said last year the board overstepped when it said the state's civil rights law covered those categories.

Department director Agustin Arbulu said last year the commission wasn't bound by Schuette's opinion. Schuette's office said it was binding on state agencies.

Published: Tue, Feb 05, 2019