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A coalition of Michigan companies, business organizations and LGBT advocacy groups is urging state lawmakers to approve legislation that would add "sexual orientation" and "gender identity and expression" language to Michigan's Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act. The Grand Rapids Board of Education Monday, Dec. 8, voted 7-2 to support the expanded language in its legislative platform.

(Carlos Osorio / AP Photo)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - In a split vote, the Grand Rapids Board of Education approved supporting legislation to expand Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity and expression” language to its legislative platform.

The nine-member board voted 7-2 Monday, Dec.8, during a work session to back state Rep. Sam Singh's, D-East Lansing, bill (HB 5804) that would also add the protections for transgender residents to the anti-discrimination law.

The law currently which prohibits discriminatory practices, policies, and customs in the exercise of those rights based upon religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial status, or marital status.

Related: 'Historic' gay rights hearing ends without vote on Michigan anti-discrimination proposals

Related: Grand Rapids school board lists legislative priorities to lobby for change

"I think it's very important that we ensure civil rights for all our citizens," said school board president Wendy Falb, about changes being pushed by business leaders and advocacy groups.

Board Member Tony Baker said he thinks the district, as the largest in West Michigan, sends an important symbolic message about the fair treatment of people by including the bill in its legislative platform.

But board members John Matias and Nathaniel Moody, despite saying they supported fairness, disagreed that expanding the law to include LGBT protections was about civil rights.

"It is not a civil rights issue, but I can look at this from the standpoint of human rights," said Moody, who is a pastor along with Matias.

Moody, who is black, said he approaches his civil rights position from historical and social issues perspectives, as it relates to discrimination based on race.

There was no heated debate at the meeting, just a motion and a vote, after hearing the proposed new language.

Business leaders from the Michigan Competitive Workforce Coalition along with LGBT groups have pushed for amending the law. The coalition, co-chaired by Herman Miller CEO Brian Walker, contends expanding the act is an issue of fairness and keeping Michigan competitive with other states for talented, well-educated employees.

Michigan is one of 29 states without LGBT protections.

The House Commerce Committee heard testimony Dec. 3 for Saim's bill and Rep. Frank Foster, R-Petoskey, bill (HB 5959) that would only add sexual orientation to the law. No action is expected on either in this so-called lame duck session before the new year. However, House Speaker Jase Bolger, R-Marshall, has been clear he only would consider the narrower "sexual orientation" proposal.

Related: Michigan lame-duck watch: Gay rights bills likely dead, religious freedom act up for debate

In other school board business, the board discussed the creation of an internal committee to evaluate district needs for a potential tax proposal on the November ballot. Members also went into closed session to discuss a legal opinion and Neal's upcoming evaluation.

Related: Grand Rapids schools creates committee to explore 2015 tax proposal

Monica Scott is the Grand Rapids K-12 education writer. Email her at mscott2@mlive.com and follow her on Twitter @MScottGR or Facebook