Group Challenges Human Rights Ordinance, Law Now on Hold

Royal Oak's historic human rights ordinance was supposed to go into effect Thursday, but a group against the inclusive law was successful in getting the law postponed while it gathers more signatures in hopes of getting it overturned permanently.

But at least one city leader said he won't let that happen. A rally in support of the law was attended by approximately 30 people Thursday afternoon on the steps of the Royal Oak Post Office.

"We're here today because we don't want to let hate and discrimination take over Royal Oak," Royal Oak Commission Jim Rasor said. He asked supporters to encourage their family and friends to "decline to sign."

Citizens petition for referendum

More than 100 valid signatures of registered Royal Oak voters were submitted on Tuesday, within the 10-day window of opportunity electors have to halt the ordinance for 20 more days, according to Royal Oak City Clerk Melaine Halas. She said approximately 175 signatures in total were turned in.

The next step for protesters will be to collect an additional 746 valid signatures of registered Royal Oak voters within the next 20 days. If they do, the human rights ordinance will go back before the city commission and it can decide to repeal its 6-1 decision or put it to a vote of the people.

"The commission is stealing the voters' right to have a say on this," said Fred Birchard of Royal Oak, who circulated petitions. "It was voted down 70 percent to 30 percent 11 years ago. They are not going to the voters again because they are scared to death."

Commissioner urges 'decline to sign' 

Rasor, who voted March 4 to pass the law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of a variety of factors including sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status, was among those who spoke at the post office rally. He was joined by members of the clergy.

The commissioner said he was concerned that those circulating petitions would try to mislead voters.

"We're not going to let that happen," he said, adding, "If people honestly feel that the rights of a minority need to be brought forth to a majority vote that's fine. If this goes to the ballot box in November, then let's go. If we have a fight we're going to kick their butt because we're on the side of the future."