Traverse City has received multiple discrimination complaints against a local hair salon after the business announced its decision to deny services to certain members of the LGBTQ+ community. Many of the complaints argue it's a violation of the city’s non-discrimination ordinance.
The complaints come after the owner of Studio 8 Hair Lab posted on their Facebook page that those identifying as transgender or queer were not welcome at the salon – and to instead “seek services at a local pet groomer.”
The city’s Non-Discriminaiton ordinance, which was adopted in 2010, ensures no person can be denied equal protection under the law or be denied the enjoyment of his or her civil rights – regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The post sparked some backlash from the Traverse City community, leading to the organization of a downtown protest that drew more than 80 participants.
This incident comes weeks after a U.S Supreme Court decision ruling in favor of a Colorado web designer who had refused to provide services to gay couples.
In a statement, Traverse City Mayor Richard Lewis said the city has “valued itself on providing a safe environment for all people,” and was “disheartened” to hear about the hair salon’s post.
State Representative Betsy Coffia also commented on the incident and condemned the salon’s post, saying that such views have “no place in Traverse City or anywhere else in Michigan.”
The city’s attorney is investigating the complaints, taking into consideration the City’s Non-Discrimination Ordinance and how the recent Supreme Court decision factors into this incident.
