A Michigan couple faced discrimination due to their sexual orientation, but because of the state's laws, it’s legal.
They’re sharing their story because of a new national campaign called Beyond I Do.
The campaign highlights states that are legally allowed to discriminate due to sexual orientation, for things like employment, housing and social services, doctors visits or dining at a restaurant.
Jami and Krista Contreras are a couple from Oak Park, Michigan. Three years ago, they became new parents and brought their six-day-old newborn to a local pediatrician, but they were denied care.
"Your doctor prayed on it and decided she won't see you all today,” Krista Contreras claims one employee at the doctor's office said.
The couple was floored. They said they had personally experienced discrimination for their sexual orientation, but they never though it would directly carry over to their newborn in this way.
“We spoke to other people and they would say well they can’t do that… that’s not legal and we looked into it and it was legal,” Jami Contreras said.
According to the Beyond I Do campaign, 31 states including Michigan don’t have protections for this kind of discrimination.
“It was horrifying and humiliating and we just kept thinking god she's 6 days old and she’s already experiencing discrimination,” said Krista.
