Gay groups join
fight against anti–affirmative action proposal

A coalition of local, state, and national gay rights groups has joined the opposition to a ballot proposal that would ban some affirmative action programs in Michigan, the Associated Press reports. The proposed constitutional amendment is scheduled to be on the November ballot. It would ban the consideration of race and gender in government hiring and university admissions.

"This ballot measure is offensive to all of us and should offend every Michiganian," Sean Kosofsky, policy director for the Triangle Foundation gay rights advocacy group, said in a statement Tuesday. The Triangle Foundation said 50 gay rights groups joined the coalition.

The proposal is opposed by several groups, many of which have come under an umbrella organization called One United Michigan. Opponents say the proposal would eliminate programs designed to help women and minorities.

The ballot measure is backed by the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative. The group says government hiring and university admissions should be based on merit, not race or gender. MCRI has said the proposal is needed so people are not discriminated against or given preferential treatment based on race or gender.

State courts have ruled the proposal should be on the November ballot. Opponents have filed a federal court case seeking to keep it off the ballot. (AP)