Michigan law
Civil Rights Laws in Michigan.
The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) is Michigan's principal civil rights statute, covering employment, housing, public accommodations, and education. 2023 amendments added sexual orientation and gender identity or expression as protected classes. The Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act covers disability discrimination. Michigan also provides a state constitutional right to equal protection, and private claims are often litigated alongside federal § 1983 and Title VII claims.
Last verified: 2026-04-17
Guided help
Ask about a civil rights deadline, right, or next step.
Keep the question grounded in Michigan. FlowLawyers can route you to the statute section, legal aid, attorney search, or a guided workflow when one fits.
Fast paths
The law sections below preserve the citations and source links. Use guided help when you need to move from reading the rule to choosing what to do next.
State law
Statute of Limitations
Administrative charges must be filed within 180 days with MDCR or 300 days with EEOC. Direct court action under ELCRA may be filed within 3 years.
State law
Key Michigan Statutes
Prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and education on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, height, weight, familial status, and marital status.
Prohibits discrimination based on disability in employment, housing, public accommodations, and education. Requires reasonable accommodation.
Criminalizes hate-based acts of intimidation. Civil remedies also available; plaintiffs may recover treble damages or $2,000, whichever is greater, plus attorney fees.
MDCR investigates discrimination complaints, issues right-to-sue letters, and may hold administrative hearings before the Civil Rights Commission.
State law
Official Sources
Not Legal Advice
This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.
More in Michigan
Other state law topics.
Personal Injury Laws·Criminal Defense Laws·Family Laws·Immigration Laws·Employment Laws·Bankruptcy Laws·Medical Malpractice Laws·Workers' Compensation Laws·Social Security Disability Laws·Wrongful Death Laws·Product Liability Laws·Long-Term Disability & ERISA Laws·Estate Planning Laws·Probate Laws·Real Estate Laws·Landlord & Tenant Laws·Business Laws·Intellectual Property Laws·Tax Laws·Elder Laws·Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Laws·Domestic Violence Laws·Veterans Legal Services Laws·Healthcare & Benefits Laws·Construction Defect Laws·Insurance Disputes Laws·Premises Liability Laws·Commercial Litigation Laws·Environmental Laws·Securities & Finance Laws·Municipal Laws·Administrative Laws