An advocacy group is suing the state for more time to gather signatures for its ballot initiative to add LGBTQ protections to Michigan civil rights law.
The group is claiming the pandemic has limited its ability to gather the necessary signatures.
According to Fair and Equal Michigan, the group behind the suit, they have collected roughly 200,000 signatures of the necessary 340,000.
Steve Liedel is a plaintiff attorney. He said the people of Michigan have a constitutional right to initiate laws.
“The conditions caused by the COVID-19 virus and the necessary governmental response has infringed on those constitutional rights. That’s why Fiar and Equal Michigan is seeking relief - so those constitutional rights won’t be minimized.”
Liedel said the group is asking for two things.
“They’d like an extension in time to file. And secondly, they’re asking for a reduction in the signatures that would otherwise be required.”
Liedel said in an initial hearing a judge granted the group a week-long extension while the case is considered.
State officials said they could not comment on pending litigation.