Michigan Gay Sex Sting Was 'Bag-a-Fag' Operation, Email Reveals

In May, community members in Lansing, Michigan alleged that a gay sex sting at the Fenner Nature Center, which resulted in two arrests and a warrant for a third, unfairly targeted gays. New evidence appears to show that was the case. The sting was prompted by an email request from Board of Police Commissioners member Jan Kolp.

The request was revealed in an email from Lieutenant Larry Kraus to his Special Ops unit.

Said Kraus:

"I’d also like to get Police Commissioner, Jan Kolp off my back and help out Lt. Nosotti. Apparently the fella’s are out in full force at Fenner looking for male love. I’d like to set up some surveillance and see if we can catch a couple of them servicing one and other, so they can be charged with Gross Indecency."

The Michigan Messenger reports: The email seems to run counter to earlier statements by Kolp who has argued she did not call in her capacity as a police commissioner but only 'as a person who has lived on Forest Road for 40 years and president of Forestview Neighborhood Association … I would hope they would handle anyone’s complaint the same way.' Kolp declined to comment Tuesday when reached for comment."

The Michigan Messenger reports: "Triangle Foundation, which monitors and reports on hate crimes and discrimination against the LGBT community, has long criticized what they have characterized as 'Bag-a-Fag' or gay sting operations. The term was coined by Michigan State Police troopers involved in operations at state highways, according to a report by former judge and lawyer Rudy Sierra."

Kalamazoo, MI Votes to Protect its LGBT Citizens from Discrimination

Kalamazoo, Michigan, which has gone back and forth on an LGBT anti-discrimination ordinance — approving it in December 2008 and rescinding it in January 2009 following petitions from the American Family Association — voted unanimously to adopt the measure last night. It will go into effect in July and prohibit discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people when it comes to hiring, housing and other accommodations.

WOOD reports: "Changes were made to try and accommodate both sides, mainly making exemptions for religious organizations. Most of the ordinance's opposition comes from the organization's Michigan chapter, which argues mostly on the basis of religious views. The city manager will be in charge of enforcement. Businesses and housing organizations would face stiff fines if found to have discriminated against the gay community. However, opposition groups will have a chance to petition again. With 1,300 signatures, the ordinance would have to go before the commission for a third time. From there, the commission could rescind it, or put it before the Kalamazoo community for a vote in the next election."

Watch WOOD's report, AFTER THE JUMP...

Michigan Lawmaker Launches Effort to Repeal State's Gay Marriage Ban

Michigan State Rep. Pam Byrnes announced a joint resolution on Saturday that would have to be approved by 2/3 of the state legislature before going to voters on the 2010 ballot. The measure would repeal the state's amendment declaring marriage between a man and a woman, the Chicago Tribune reports:

"The proposal would be opposed at every step by many of the same groups that successfully supported the 2004 campaign, including the Catholic Church. The 2004 ballot measure passed by a 59 percent to 41 percent margin. Byrnes said same-sex couples deserve the same rights as opposite-sex couples in state law. 'No doubt, it will be a fight,' Byrnes said. 'But we're seeing some attitudes change.'  Gary Glenn, president of the American Family Association of Michigan, said he doubts even a simple majority of the Democrat-led House would overturn the 2004 statewide vote. 'But it does make for high drama, as political theater goes, to announce such radical legislation during a homosexual 'rights' rally, even though it'll never see the light of day thereafter,' Glenn said."

Byrnes announced the legislation at a gay rights rally in Lansing. Recent polls show a "seismic" shift in support for same-sex marriage and gay rights issues in the state.

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