The following is a public statement from Thomas Veverka, MD, president of the Michigan State Medical Society, in response to Michigan Senate’s vote on March 1, 2023 to pass Senate Bill 4—legislation that expands the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) to include protections against discrimination based on gender identify and sexual orientation.

“On behalf of the Michigan State Medical Society, I would like to commend the Michigan state Senate on its vote to extend the protections provided through the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights to those in the LGBTQ+ community. As an organization that’s fully committed to diversity and inclusion, we are proud of the Senate for taking this critical step towards making Michigan a more inclusive and equitable place for all of its residents.”