Christine Geiger, the owner of Studio 8 Hair Lab in Traverse City, Michigan, is currently facing discrimination charges following a series of social media posts targeting the LGBTQ+ community. The Michigan Department of Civil Rights filed charges against Geiger, accusing her of violating state law by discriminating based on sex, which includes sexual orientation and gender identity under recent amendments to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.
Controversial Posts Spark Legal Action
Geiger’s posts, which appeared on Facebook in July, explicitly advised potential queer and transgender customers to seek services elsewhere, specifically suggesting a pet groomer instead of her hair salon. She stated that those who do not identify strictly as a man or woman were unwelcome at her establishment and made derogatory comments about the LGBTQ+ community, including likening them to pedophiles. These posts have since been deleted.
Owner Defends Actions as Free Speech
In response to the charges, Geiger filed a lawsuit against the city and the three claimants, asserting that her posts were an expression of her religious beliefs and protected under the First Amendment. Her attorney, David DeLaney, argued that while the posts reflected her personal views, she had not physically barred anyone from entering her business.
Legal Proceedings and Public Response
The case is set to proceed with a hearing before an administrative judge, who will then make a recommendation to the Michigan Civil Rights Commission for a final decision. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about discrimination and free speech, highlighting the tensions between personal beliefs and the rights of customers to access services without facing prejudice based on their identity.
A Test for Michigan’s Anti-Discrimination Law
This case emerges as a significant test for Michigan’s amended anti-discrimination law, which now includes protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how such laws are interpreted and enforced, particularly regarding statements made on social media and their impact on access to public services and businesses. As the legal process unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in fighting for equal treatment and respect.
