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Geiger told us in July that she was taking a stand against being forced to use preferred pronouns such as they/them, he/him and she/her. That is a red herring designed to grab and divert our attention away from the real violations of law and Christine Geiger’s responsibilities under law,” John Jonson, the executive director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, said. None of them were denied service in Studio 8, so now we’re in a pure speech category,” David Delaney, the attorney for Studio 8 Hair Lab, said. As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. They said, “Studio 8 Hair Lab’s recent comments comparing members of the queer community to animals are not welcomed in Traverse City, Period.
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These salons have received high praise from LGBTQ+ customers who have experienced their inclusive and affirming environments firsthand. Offering a wide range of services to meet various styling needs, they are excellent alternatives for those seeking a hair salon that embraces diversity and celebrates all individuals. City attorney Lauren Trible-Laucht is conducting an investigation "based upon the relevant legal standards, including the city’s non-discrimination ordinance as well as recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions and State legislation," according to the statement. In a now-deleted Facebook post, the 48-year-old Traverse City salon owner, Christine Geiger, encouraged those who identified as "anything other than a man/woman" to "seek services at a local pet groomer." MDCR said it attempts to resolve complaints first through conciliation (working with the accused business to resolve the issue) but that Studio 8 refused to come to an agreement. The department is now filing a formal charge of discrimination against the salon with an administrative law judge, who will set a date for a public hearing.
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"It's the TQ+ that I'm not going to support," she said, referring to transgender and queer or questioning people. The comment, posted in a local Facebook group, used language often repeated by far-right conspiracy theorists to paint LGBTQ people as "groomers" dangerous to young people. The salon's owner did not respond to requests for comment from USA TODAY or the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network.
Embracing Inclusivity: Exploring LGBTQ+-Friendly Hair Salons in Traverse City
Located in Traverse City, Studio 180 has built a reputation for providing a warm and welcoming environment to all customers. With a team of talented and understanding stylists, they strive to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and valued throughout their salon experience. The specific implications of that decision will "no doubt be hashed out in court," said Elizabeth Reiner Platt, director of the Law, Rights, and Religion Project at Columbia Law School. The city of 15,700 anchors a Lake Michigan resort community with sandy beaches, cherry orchards and arts festivals.
Michigan city investigates salon owner's online comments about gender identity
“I’ve had a big outpouring of support from my existing clients,” she said, but she’s also been flooded with angry messages, some making threats. Christine Geiger’s online posts have drawn criticism from Traverse City’s mayor and other officials, who said they were looking into whether she was violating a municipal anti-discrimination ordinance. Geiger went on to say that while she has been flooded with angry messages and threats, she said she has "had a big outpouring of support from my existing clients." Now legal experts say that not only is the business misinterpreting a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the topic to refuse service, but that it may be running afoul of discrimination protections in Michigan.
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City Investigating Discrimination Complaint Against Local Salon - Traverse City Ticker
City Investigating Discrimination Complaint Against Local Salon.
Posted: Wed, 12 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. But Jay Kaplan, staff attorney for the ACLU of Michigan’s LGBTQ+ Project, said the same argument could not be applied in the case of Studio 8 Hair Lab as giving a haircut would not qualify as a customized tailored speech. News of Studio 8 Hair Lab’s post, and subsequent refusal of service, was first reported by the northern Michigan television station 9&10 News.
Christine Geiger, identified as a co-owner of the salon on LinkedIn, said in a Facebook comment reviewed by USA TODAY that she has "no issues" with lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Supreme Court’s June 30 ruling that a Christian graphic artist who wants to design wedding websites can refuse to work with same-sex couples, although she agreed with the decision. Screenshots of the Facebook post circulated on social media showed a division of opinions — some expressed disapproval while others defended Geiger, citing freedom of speech. Attorney Michael Naughton of North Coast Legal, who represents all three individuals, declined to comment. City Attorney Lauren Trible-Laucht notes that Studio 8’s legal team has agreed to extend the deadline for defendants to respond until December 1, with the city now working toward filing a response.
Hair salon sues Traverse City, three others Local News record-eagle.com - Traverse City Record Eagle
Hair salon sues Traverse City, three others Local News record-eagle.com.
Posted: Fri, 03 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
“Following the hearing, the judge will provide a recommendation as to whether discrimination took place and if so, what the appropriate penalty should be,” the state said. There has, however, been repeated misinformation regarding HB 4474, which is a bill seeking to expand Michigan’s hate crime laws to include protections for a host of classes including gay and transgender individuals. The salon's announcement and subsequent backlash come after the Supreme Court's ruling at the end of June that businesses could refuse to serve LGBTQ+ clients. The court ruled 6-3 that a wedding website's owner could deny services to gay couples. In their suit, Studio 8 challenges the constitutionality of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, gender or race.
Dept. of Civil Rights issues discriminatory charge to Traverse City salon for anti-trans posts
Michigan state Rep. Betsy Coffia, a Democrat, denounced the salon's posts as "breathtaking hate and bigotry." There are plenty of salons/stylists willing to cater to what I will not. "Should you request to have a particular pronoun used please note we may simply refer to you as 'hey you.' Regardless of MI HB 4744," the post stated. Geiger and Studio 8 Hair Lab did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Insider ahead of publication. Delany said Christine Geiger, who owns Studio 8 Hair Lab, said her actions should be protected under freedom of speech. TRAVERSE CITY — The MDCR said they received a total of 21 complaints against Studio 8 Hair Lab.
Studio 8 is suing the City of Traverse City and three individuals who filed complaints against the salon, accusing them of violating the salon’s free speech and religious freedom rights. Supreme Court decision along 6-3 partisan lines that ruled a Colorado website designer could not be compelled to create wedding websites for LGBTQ+ couples. The ruling, which was relatively narrow, determined the website designer was creating customized speech and was protected on First Amendment grounds.
"We stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and reiterate our commitment to supporting their rights," Jack Winn Pro continued. On Wednesday, protesters stood outside the salon chanting and holding signs, AP reported. “Speaking and conduct two different things…And they can’t equate the two.
MDCR Director of Legal Affairs Bryant Osikowicz said that the charge shouldn’t be misconstrued as an issue of religion or freedom of speech. The Salon by Emily takes pride in providing a friendly and inclusive atmosphere where all clients can feel comfortable expressing themselves. Their team of stylists understands the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals and strives to meet their expectations with professionalism and expertise. "Hate has shown time and time again to be a losing business strategy and we must not allow this blight to take root in our town," Link said. "Traverse City has a vibrant and thriving queer community thanks in part to our many allies and queer friendly businesses." Geiger's business is currently under investigation by the City of Traverse City, to determine if she is in violation of the city's non-discrimination ordinance.
In a Time magazine article in July, legal experts said the case should not be interpreted to mean other businesses can engage in discrimination – and specifically cited Studio 8, which made national headlines this summer, as an example. However, they predicted the Supreme Court case would encourage more lawsuits seeking to exempt a wider range of businesses from anti-discrimination laws on free speech or religious grounds. Geiger, the salon co-owner, told local outlet 9 & 10 News that she is taking a stand against legislation recently passed by Michigan legislators seeking to expand the state's hate crime law to protect gender identity and sexual orientation. Supreme Court sided with a Denver-based web designer who refused to create websites for same-sex weddings, arguing that it would violate her religious beliefs and right to free speech.
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