MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - At its last meeting, the Meridian Township Board amended its Fair Housing Ordinance to prohibit discrimination in public housing based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.

Board Trustee Angela Wilson said this is just the first step in the township's efforts to protect LGBT rights.

"It will at least give our residents the opportunity to seek mediation if they are being discriminated against," Wilson said.

The Township Board is scheduled to draft a comprehensive Human Relations Ordinance by September that guards against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in public accommodations, housing and employment.