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In a Time magazine article in July, legal experts said the case should not be interpreted to mean other businesses can engage in discrimination – and specifically cited Studio 8, which made national headlines this summer, as an example. However, they predicted the Supreme Court case would encourage more lawsuits seeking to exempt a wider range of businesses from anti-discrimination laws on free speech or religious grounds. Geiger, the salon co-owner, told local outlet 9 & 10 News that she is taking a stand against legislation recently passed by Michigan legislators seeking to expand the state's hate crime law to protect gender identity and sexual orientation. Supreme Court sided with a Denver-based web designer who refused to create websites for same-sex weddings, arguing that it would violate her religious beliefs and right to free speech.
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In a Wednesday morning press conference, MDCR Director John Johnson said that Geiger’s post, and subsequent doubling down on her stances, were in violation of Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA). The state passed a law in 1976 that bans firing someone, evicting them or otherwise discriminating against them because they are a member of the LGBTQ community. The salon's Instagram page, now set to private, says it is "A private CONSERVATIVE business that does not cater to woke ideologies." I’d rather not be as busy than to have to do services that I don’t agree with,” she said. In addition to a proposed social district near Eighth and Garfield, city commissioners tonight (Monday) will have a more detailed discussion about the possibility of moving parking ...
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“I’ve had a big outpouring of support from my existing clients,” she said, but she’s also been flooded with angry messages, some making threats. Christine Geiger’s online posts have drawn criticism from Traverse City’s mayor and other officials, who said they were looking into whether she was violating a municipal anti-discrimination ordinance. Geiger went on to say that while she has been flooded with angry messages and threats, she said she has "had a big outpouring of support from my existing clients." Now legal experts say that not only is the business misinterpreting a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the topic to refuse service, but that it may be running afoul of discrimination protections in Michigan.
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State lawmakers codified that ruling into law earlier this year, though as the bill did not receive immediate effect, it’s not currently able to be enforced. HB 4744 pertains to the establishment and maintenance of a qualified voter file. The bill Geiger intended to reference is likely HB 4474, which seeks to expand Michigan's hate crime law to protect gender identity and sexual orientation. Misinformation has spread online, falsely claiming that the bill criminalizes the use of incorrect pronouns. Just this year, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law an expansion of the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to cover protections for sexual orientation and gender identify.
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These salons have received high praise from LGBTQ+ customers who have experienced their inclusive and affirming environments firsthand. Offering a wide range of services to meet various styling needs, they are excellent alternatives for those seeking a hair salon that embraces diversity and celebrates all individuals. City attorney Lauren Trible-Laucht is conducting an investigation "based upon the relevant legal standards, including the city’s non-discrimination ordinance as well as recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions and State legislation," according to the statement. In a now-deleted Facebook post, the 48-year-old Traverse City salon owner, Christine Geiger, encouraged those who identified as "anything other than a man/woman" to "seek services at a local pet groomer." MDCR said it attempts to resolve complaints first through conciliation (working with the accused business to resolve the issue) but that Studio 8 refused to come to an agreement. The department is now filing a formal charge of discrimination against the salon with an administrative law judge, who will set a date for a public hearing.
Comments come after Supreme Court ruling
In a separate post, the business clarified that this was intended to refer to any gender-nonconforming people, including those who are transgender. The original post, which has since been deleted, suggested that people with such gender identities should instead "seek services at a local pet groomer," according to the report. Studio 8 Hair Lab in Traverse City has recently faced severe backlash due to its owner’s anti-trans social media posts. The salon’s controversial online presence has caused significant damage to its reputation, prompting negative reviews and warnings about potential discrimination and harassment. He pointed to a 2022 Michigan Supreme Court ruling which, barred discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, saying that in making the post, the salon might be in violation of state precedent.
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Owner of Studio 8 Hair Lab in Traverse City stands by controversial Facebook post - Detroit Free Press
Owner of Studio 8 Hair Lab in Traverse City stands by controversial Facebook post.
Posted: Fri, 14 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Attorney General Nessel argues that only the Michigan Court of Claims can hear cases against the State of Michigan and its departments. The Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) has issued a charge of discrimination against Studio 8 Hair Lab, the Traverse City salon that drew national attention in July for anti-trans online posts made by its owner, Christine Geiger. She said she had been a licensed hairstylist since 2006 and never knowingly had rejected a transgender person’s request for service. Studio 8 Hair Lab's exclusionary Facebook post about the LGBTQ+ community has prompted a city investigation, a community protest and a public disassociation by a hair products company that the salon regularly used and promoted. "To compare our LGBTQ+ neighbors to animals and pedophiles is breathtaking hate and bigotry from a studio in my community," Coffia said in a public statement.
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Located in Traverse City, Studio 180 has built a reputation for providing a warm and welcoming environment to all customers. With a team of talented and understanding stylists, they strive to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and valued throughout their salon experience. The specific implications of that decision will "no doubt be hashed out in court," said Elizabeth Reiner Platt, director of the Law, Rights, and Religion Project at Columbia Law School. The city of 15,700 anchors a Lake Michigan resort community with sandy beaches, cherry orchards and arts festivals.
Michigan hair salon Studio 8 turns away trans clients, limiting service for LGBTQ patrons
The State Department of Civil Rights has now charged her with discrimination for that post. Her public comments dehumanizing our trans and non-binary communities are a disgrace. Freedom of speech is not freedom to discriminate or freedom of consequences. In a Facebook post made in July, Geiger said that anyone who identifies as anything other than a man or woman needs to get serviced at a local pet groomer. It’s evident that Studio 8 Hair Lab can no longer be considered a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ customers. If you’re searching for a hair salon in Traverse City, it is highly recommended to avoid this establishment altogether.
MDCR Director of Legal Affairs Bryant Osikowicz said that the charge shouldn’t be misconstrued as an issue of religion or freedom of speech. The Salon by Emily takes pride in providing a friendly and inclusive atmosphere where all clients can feel comfortable expressing themselves. Their team of stylists understands the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals and strives to meet their expectations with professionalism and expertise. "Hate has shown time and time again to be a losing business strategy and we must not allow this blight to take root in our town," Link said. "Traverse City has a vibrant and thriving queer community thanks in part to our many allies and queer friendly businesses." Geiger's business is currently under investigation by the City of Traverse City, to determine if she is in violation of the city's non-discrimination ordinance.
In 2011, Traverse City voters also passed a non-discrimination ordinance that says no person can be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. MDCR officials said that the charge is one of unlawful advertisement, not free speech. According to the charge, even though Geiger didn’t physically remove someone from her salon based on their gender identity, the posts she made still negatively impacted LGBTQ+ members of the community. The salon, Studio 8 Hair Lab in Traverse City in the northwestern part of the state, announced on social media it will no longer serve clients who identify "as anything other than a man/woman," and made derogatory comments about transgender people. "The stylist who made those comments no longer has authorization to represent our brand or products."
Geiger told us in July that she was taking a stand against being forced to use preferred pronouns such as they/them, he/him and she/her. That is a red herring designed to grab and divert our attention away from the real violations of law and Christine Geiger’s responsibilities under law,” John Jonson, the executive director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, said. None of them were denied service in Studio 8, so now we’re in a pure speech category,” David Delaney, the attorney for Studio 8 Hair Lab, said. As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. They said, “Studio 8 Hair Lab’s recent comments comparing members of the queer community to animals are not welcomed in Traverse City, Period.
Christine Geiger, identified as a co-owner of the salon on LinkedIn, said in a Facebook comment reviewed by USA TODAY that she has "no issues" with lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Supreme Court’s June 30 ruling that a Christian graphic artist who wants to design wedding websites can refuse to work with same-sex couples, although she agreed with the decision. Screenshots of the Facebook post circulated on social media showed a division of opinions — some expressed disapproval while others defended Geiger, citing freedom of speech. Attorney Michael Naughton of North Coast Legal, who represents all three individuals, declined to comment. City Attorney Lauren Trible-Laucht notes that Studio 8’s legal team has agreed to extend the deadline for defendants to respond until December 1, with the city now working toward filing a response.
Michigan state Rep. Betsy Coffia, a Democrat, denounced the salon's posts as "breathtaking hate and bigotry." There are plenty of salons/stylists willing to cater to what I will not. "Should you request to have a particular pronoun used please note we may simply refer to you as 'hey you.' Regardless of MI HB 4744," the post stated. Geiger and Studio 8 Hair Lab did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Insider ahead of publication. Delany said Christine Geiger, who owns Studio 8 Hair Lab, said her actions should be protected under freedom of speech. TRAVERSE CITY — The MDCR said they received a total of 21 complaints against Studio 8 Hair Lab.
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