The salon itself – located on Eighth Street – was closed, with a sign posted on the door that services are by appointment only. MDCR said a business doesn’t have to actually bar someone from entering to violate the law. Of the 21 complaints the state received about Studio 8, three are part of the charge announced Wednesday, another three are still under investigation, and two are being evaluated to determine if the department has jurisdiction. Studio 8 Hair Lab said in a Facebook post last weekend that it would not serve anyone who "identifies as anything other than a man/woman," USA Today reported.
State charges Traverse City hair salon with bias on social media posts on gender identity - Detroit News
State charges Traverse City hair salon with bias on social media posts on gender identity.
Posted: Wed, 15 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
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Geiger said she has received support from her existing clients, but has also faced a barrage of angry messages, including threatening ones. Supreme Court ruling allowing a Christian web developer in Denver to refuse designing wedding websites for same-sex couples. While she agreed with the ruling, she stated that her comments stemmed from personal experiences and her objection to schools and doctor's offices addressing gender identification matters with children. It does note that there could be civil action against someone who discriminates against another for gender identity or expression, though this could apply to both transgender and cisgender people alike. Cisgender is a term to describe a person whose gender aligns with the sex they were registered as at birth.
Embracing Inclusivity: Exploring LGBTQ+-Friendly Hair Salons in Traverse City
Some residents say the city’s cheery exterior masks racial and cultural divides similar to those elsewhere in the U.S. In a statement, Traverse City officials expressed their disappointment after receiving multiple complaints regarding Geiger's discriminatory language. “We are likely going to see more attempts to try and use that decision and religious beliefs to justify discrimination in non-religious activity,” he says. A friend of Christine Geiger, the owner of Studio 8, made a post on Facebook saying she supports Geiger for standing up for what she believes in.
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Trible-Laucht otherwise declined to comment on the case, citing the ongoing nature of the litigation. The case is before Judge Kevin Elsenheimer, though no hearings have yet been set. Supreme Court decision in the 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, in which a Colorado-based web designer argued her state’s anti-discrimination law would compel her to create wedding websites for same sex-couples – something she disagreed with, citing her faith.
After telling trans customers to use ‘pet groomer,’ Michigan salon could face legal trouble, experts say
In her claims, Gieger argued that Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act is unconstitional, after pushback over a social media post in which she said that Studio 8 would only serve people who identify as male or female. The next step for the Studio 8 case will be awaiting a hearing before an administrative law judge. The MDCR’s charge requests that Geiger pay the claimants for emotional distress and “mental anguish” her posts caused. If decided after a hearing, Studio 8 and Geiger could have state licensing certifications revoked based on violation of ELCRA. “Under the Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act, there are protections against retaliation for participating in a protected activity, such as filing an unlawful discrimination complaint with our department,” Trevino said.
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While some argued that the private business should operate as it sees fit, others urged the community to refrain from seeking hair care services at Studio 8 Hair Lab. In the original Facebook post, Geiger inaccurately referenced House Bill 4744 while expressing the salon's refusal to acknowledge preferred pronouns. Hair product manufacturer Jack Winn Pro publicly distanced itself from Geiger's remarks, while expressing its unwavering support for LGBTQ+ rights. The Civil Rights Department says this case is not about free speech because Studio 8 violated the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights act. The act prevents discrimination based on religion, race or color, and the department says Geiger advertised unlawful discrimination. Back in July, the owner of Studio 8 Hair Lab, Christine Geiger, posted on Facebook that anyone who identifies other than male or female needs to get serviced at a pet groomer.
Comments come after Supreme Court ruling
A Facebook post from Studio 8 Hair Lab suggested that anyone who identifies as anything other than a man or a woman should see a pet groomer and that service would be denied to them. Late last month multiple outlets, including Fox News and the Daily Mail, ran stories arguing the legislation would make it a felony to use the wrong pronouns for someone, despite the fact the word “pronouns” appears nowhere in the bill. The court later ruled in her favor, noting that her designs constituted a form of speech and that forcing her to design a website which ran afoul of her faith could stifle her First Amendment rights. State Rep. Betsy Coffia, D-Traverse City, issued a response on Tuesday addressing Studio 8 Hair Lab's remarks. She denounced the comparison of "LGBTQ+ neighbors to animals and pedophiles," describing it as "breathtaking hate and bigotry."
Michigan city investigates salon owner's online comments about gender identity
Michigan hair salon refuses transgender customers, says to 'seek services at local pet groomer' - New York Post
Michigan hair salon refuses transgender customers, says to 'seek services at local pet groomer'.
Posted: Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
In conclusion, while Studio 8 Hair Lab has faced considerable controversy due to its owner’s anti-trans social media posts, there are numerous alternative salons in Traverse City that have established reputations for inclusivity and acceptance. By supporting these LGBTQ+-friendly establishments, you can feel confident that you are choosing a salon that values and respects everyone who walks through its doors. The salon is facing backlash from community members and social media users after screenshots of its posts were shared widely.
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Her coverage areas included state government and politics, including abortion rights and gun violence prevention issues. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of any other photos and graphics. The Advance called Geiger for comment at the salon, but the voicemail was full.
While MDCR officials were unable to comment on Geiger’s ongoing lawsuit, Trevino said that the three complainants, two of whom are nonbinary, are protected from certain forms of retaliation under ELCRA. MDCR Director of Enforcement Marcellina Trevino said that the department’s investigative process was followed to determine whether there was cause for a charge of discrimination, including trying to facilitate a conciliatory meeting with Geiger. Blushing Bella is another salon known for its inclusivity and commitment to embracing diversity. Their team of skilled professionals offers a range of services while fostering a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ+ individuals. "(A) haircut should be considered beyond the scope of the decision, which applied only to businesses that are 'expressive in nature' and designed 'to communicate a particular message,'" she told USA TODAY.
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