Discrimination Charges Filed Against Michigan Salon Refusing Service to Transgender, Queer Persons

A Michigan salon owner is facing discrimination charges after saying she'd refuse service to people who identify as transgender or queer.

Here's the Backstory:

The backlash was swift after the owner of Studio 8 Hair Lab in Traverse City made the since-deleted social media post in July of this year, stating her intent to refuse service to certain members of the LGBTQ+ Community.

"If a human identifies as anything other than a man/woman please seek services at a local pet groomer," the post said. "You are not welcome at this salon. Period. Should you request to have a particular pronoun used please note we may simply refer to you as 'hey you.'"

Christine Geiger is the owner of the salon, and went on to criticize Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and claimed that refusal of service would fall under the umbrella of free speech.

Erin Reed was able to grab a screenshot of the post before it was taken it down and shared it on X (formerly Twitter), calling it "disgusting."

Traverse City Salon Owner Faces Discrimination Charges

Christine Geiger is now facing a discrimination charge filed by the state's Department of Civil Rights. The department claims that the salon violated the state's civil rights act by unlawfully discriminating against three claimants.

According to WXYZ-TV, a hearing will be scheduled and an administrative judge will hear the merits of the complaint and issue a recommendation. The recommendation will then be presented to the Michigan Civil Rights Commission which will either adopt the ruling or make its own.

Last month, Geiger filed a complaint against the city of Traverse City and the three individuals, claiming the salon's First Amendment rights had been violated.