Snyder: Ready to discuss extending civil rights to gays but needs Legislature's leadership

12/16/2013

LANSING, Mich. — Republican Gov. Rick Snyder says he’s open to the idea of extending civil rights protections to gay people, as long as the GOP-led Michigan Legislature is ready to collaborate.

Gay rights and the Republican party have come to the fore in recent days because of the controversy over Republican National Committee member Dave Agema’s anti-gay remarks at a party event in Berrien County.

Snyder criticized Agema’s remarks as “discriminatory.” He tells MLive.com (http://bit.ly/1ejnBpf ) he’s willing to participate in talks to give gay people civil rights in Michigan but won’t lead the way.

Snyder says he’s most likely “a signal from the Legislature to say they’re open to having that discussion.”

A spokesman for House Speaker House GOP Jase Bolger says behind-the-scenes talks are underway on expanding civil rights protections.