Conservatives are fuming after Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called out Ohio and Indiana for restricting LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights in her 2023 State of the State address.
“Bigotry is bad for business,” Whitmer exclaimed while discussing the need for Michigan to expand reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination laws in the state.
Whitmer explained that not only is protecting these civil rights the right thing to do, but it’s also good for the economy because states lose talent when their laws are too extreme.
She then issued a direct challenge to her neighbors.
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“Together, we are going to change Michigan from a state with century-old bans to forward looking protections. Our message is simple: we will fight for your freedom. And you know what? Let’s go on offense. I’ll go to any state that restricts people’s freedoms and win business and hardworking people from them. I’m looking at you, Ohio and Indiana.”
“I’ll go to any state that restricts people’s freedoms and win business and hardworking people from them. I’m looking at you, Ohio and Indiana.”
— The Recount (@therecount) January 26, 2023
— Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) calls out neighboring states that are trying to enact abortion restrictions pic.twitter.com/E4vfXKAneO
Michigan is currently experiencing a Democratic trifecta, with Democrats holding a majority in both legislative chambers and the governorship. Democrats also control the office of the Secretary of State and Attorney General. It is reportedly the first time in 40 years that Democrats control all levels of power in the state.
Ohio and Indiana have the exact opposite, with every significant office dominated by Republicans.
The Michigan GOP was not happy with Whitmer’s comments.
Republican House Rep. Andrew Beeler, told Fox2, “I think that it is remarkable that our state plan for economic development is to lure more businesses and people with the prospect of being able to kill unborn children.”
The state GOP, itself, tweeted out angrily, “No. You know who is losing talent? Michigan. Here it is again, Gretch – more people moved OUT of Michigan in 2022 than in.”
But many were quick to criticize the tweet for failing to recognize that last year, Republicans were in control of the legislature.
Who was top in the legislature, who make the laws, over the last…. 40 years or so…
— Michael Bedard (@Mike_Bedard) January 26, 2023
Yeah. I’m sorry but this isn’t the flex you seem to think it is.
