OPEN is partnering with local advocates to bring non-discrimination protections to communities across Michigan. From Ann Arbor to Detroit, we're building momentum for legislation that protects all families.

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Building protections for family and relationship structures in Michigan

Local activists are working to pass an ordinance that would add "family or relationship structure" as a protected category in the city's existing non-discrimination laws.

This protection would cover diverse families and relationships including:

  • Consensually non-monogamous relationships (polyamory, open relationships, swinger lifestyle etc.)

  • Multi-partner and multi-parent families

  • Multi-generational households

  • Stepfamilies and blended families

  • Chosen families

  • Single-parent households

  • Asexual and aromantic relationships

What We're Working Toward

Where we stand

Mitch Green of district 4 has honorably taken up our cause and is drafting legislation. We are hopeful for introduction of the policy either mid August or early September.

This means our job now is to show as much community support by getting petition signatures and showing up to council once the ordinance is introduced!

Why this matters

Despite Portland's progressive values, people in non-monogamous relationships and non-nuclear family structures face real discrimination in housing, employment, healthcare, and other essential services. Our 2024 community survey of 4,500 people found that 58% experienced stigma or discrimination based on their relationship or family structure.

The lack of legal protection forces many to hide their relationships and family arrangements, creating stress and limiting access to support systems when they're needed most.

Get involved:

Stay updated: Sign up for updates about OPEN’s work and opportunities to stay engaged locally.

Share your story: Personal experiences help illustrate why these protections matter. If you’ve experienced stigma or discrimination on the basis of your non-monogamous identity in Portland, we’d like to hear about it! Write us at info@open-love.org.