Pugh Takes Part In Hunger Strike For Gay Rights
FERNDALE (WWJ) - A local politician is giving up food for a day as part of an effort to bring attention to discrimination against gays in Michigan.
After eating a hardy breakfast, Detroit Council President Charles Pugh began a 24-hour hunger strike in the front window of Affirmations community center on 9 Mile Road in Ferndale.
Pugh says the goal is to bring attention to discrimination against those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
"I could be fired, I could be denied housing, I can't marry who I want," said Pugh, who is openly gay. "If I decide to partner with somebody we both cannot adopt a child."
Pugh is among those who would like to see a change in state policy.
"I think that my colleagues in the Michigan legislature, in the Michigan Senate and in the governor's office need to pay attention to this campaign and see what we can do collectively to change some of these things," he said.
The "Michigan Hungry 4 Equality" campaign will continue, with a different volunteer each day, until the November 6 general election.
