LANSING – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan lawmakers kicked off LGBTQ Pride Month on Tuesday by announcing legislation to amend Michigan’s civil rights law to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Lawmakers and supporters say they are hopeful because, for the first time, they have cosponsors from each party and a governor who strongly supports the change.

They also cited growing support in the business community, whose leaders increasingly see a diverse workforce as crucial to growth and success.

Still, it wasn't clear Tuesday whether there is enough support in the Republican-controlled Legislature to send House Bill 4688, introduced Tuesday, to Whitmer's desk.

Of Fortune 500 companies, 91% now prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and 83% prohibit discrimination based on gender identity, up from just three companies in 2000, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

Rick Baker, president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, said amending the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act is both the smart and the right thing to do.

"We believe everyone deserves the right to show up as their whole person in all aspects of their life and inclusivity is vital for Michigan to remain competitive while attracting and retaining top talent," Baker said.

Rep. Jon Hoadley, D-Kalamazoo, who is openly gay and the primary sponsor of the House bill, told the Free Press that as Michigan competes with other states for talented workers, protections for LGBTQ employees are especially important in the recruitment and retention of young people.

"This is a value they have been growing up with their whole lives," Hoadley said. "This is a generational issue."

Tuesday's news conference was held in Whitmer's ceremonial Capitol office, with the governor standing alongside groups such as Fair Michigan, Equality Michigan and Pride at Work Michigan.

"This is a group effort and it's important for every one of us in Michigan," said Whitmer, a Democrat.

Real opportunity and protection for all citizens is crucial to make Michigan a thriving state, she said.

"In the year 2019, nobody should be fired from their job or evicted from their home based on who they love or how they identify," Whitmer said.

More:Whitmer signs directive strengthening protections for LGBTQ community

More:Historic LGBTQ bar and nightclub to reopen in Detroit

The House bill lists one Republican sponsor, Rep. Tommy Brann, R-Wyoming. Brann could not immediately be reached for comment. Talks are underway with Senate Republicans, but a GOP Senate sponsor has not yet been identified, Senate Democratic spokeswoman Sarah Schillio said.

Efforts in recent years to amend the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights act to protect sexual orientation and sexual identify have been stalled in the Republican-controlled Legislature by insistence from some lawmakers that such a change be tied to a law that sets out religious exemptions — such as for a baker who doesn't want to prepare a wedding cake for a gay couple, citing religious beliefs.

Religious objections have been the stated basis for discriminating against gay couples who want to adopt under Michigan law. Faith-based adoption agencies that receive taxpayer funding have until recently been able to refuse to work with gay couples wanting to adopt, resulting in lawsuits from prospective gay parents.

Under a settlement negotiated in March by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, the state agreed to no longer financially support adoption and foster care agencies that refuse to work with same-sex couples and LGBTQ individuals because of religious beliefs.

That settlement prompted another lawsuit, brought in April by a husband and wife who have adopted five foster children through one of those faith-based agencies and want the former policy restored.

House Speaker Lee Chatfield, R-Levering, would want such religious protections enshrined in Michigan law before he could support an amendment such as the LGBTQ proposal introduced Tuesday, spokesman Gideon D'Assandro said.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, is on record taking a similar position.

In January, Whitmer signed an executive directive to strengthen prohibitions against LGBTQ discrimination in state employment, contracting and provision of services.

State Sen. Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield, Michigan's first openly gay state senator, said Tuesday was "a historic morning for all of us," and he's more hopeful than ever the state law will be amended.

"Let's get it done," Hoadley said.

“People in Michigan and across the country are working to promote equality. For the first time, we’re even seeing bipartisan support for expanding the (civil rights law)."

Jeynce Poindexter, transgender advocate at Equality Michigan, said at the Capitol news conference the proposed legislation is about people, not politics.

"These laws and policies directly affect me because I am a proud trans woman of color," Poindexter said.

In March 2018, the Michigan Civil Rights Commission voted to expand the commission's interpretation of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identification in employment, education, housing and real estate as well as use of public accommodations and public service.

But proponents of an amendment say that falls short of having protections explicitly spelled out in law.

Former attorney general Bill Schuette, a Republican, issued an opinion in July 2018 contradicting the commission's expanded interpretation of the law. Nessel, a Democrat, has said she is open to re-evaluating the opinion issued by Schuette.

Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @paulegan4. Read more on Michigan politics and sign up for our elections newsletter.