Credit Dave Eggert / Associated Press
Less than two weeks after being named the new CEO of Southwest Michigan First, former state House Speaker Lee Chatfield announced his resignation Monday morning. Chatfield’s hiring was met with heavy criticism from local government officials, and various non-profit groups.
They cited Chatfield’s past statements opposing legal protection against discrimination for LGBTQ people. Chatfield posted his resignation letter on Twitter Monday saying he apologized for any hard feelings or stress that his hiring caused. He also said his thinking on civil rights for LGBTQ people had changed over time. Chatfield recently said he favors expanding Michigan’s Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to protect people from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.