The Detroit News<\/em> reports<\/a>: \u2018Snyder signed the directive Thursday and announced it Friday with just four days left in his tenure,\u00a0describing it as an effort to lead by example in government. The directive\u00a0requires state departments and agencies to include language in new contracts prohibiting contractors from hiring or firing on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.\u00a0It includes an exemption for nonprofit religious organizations, including churches.\u2019<\/p>\n Wrote Snyder<\/a>, who was repeatedly blocked by conservatives in his own party in getting protections for LGBT people written into the state\u2019s anti-discrimination law: \u201cMichigan\u2019s continued reinvention and economic growth depend on talented individuals choosing to live<\/a> and work here. It is essential for State government to be a leader in welcoming all people to our state and ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and with respect . The State of Michigan must be open for business to all. It is critically important to this Administration that State government maintains its leadership position in encouraging robust and inclusive economic growth. State government is one of the largest buyers of goods and services in Michigan, and therefore it is uniquely positioned to be a leader in ensuring fair treatment for people in employment. In fact, it already has been a leader. With respect to State employees, the Civil Service Commission adopted Civil Service Rule 1-8.1 prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation for State departments and agencies subject to Civil Service Rules. For Michigan to be a leader in inclusive economic development, all State of Michigan departments and agencies that perform procurement functions and provide loans and grants to local units of government and private entities must work together to ensure State government is open to everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n The post Michigan GOP Governor Rick Snyder Issues Surprise Ban on Anti-LGBT Discrimination by State Contractors as Term Ends<\/a> appeared first on Towleroad Gay News<\/a>.<\/p>\n