Supporters of amending Michigan’s constitution to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity cleared an initial procedural step on Tuesday when the Michigan Board of State Canvassers approved the form and wording of the petition. The Fair Michigan ballot committee’s petition form, in order to make the November 2016 statewide ballot, will require about 315,000 valid voter signatures. Elections Bureau Director Chris Thomas said the deadline for submitting the signatures is July 11th. The state constitution bars discrimination because of religion, race, color or national origin. The amendment would add gender, gender identity, sex, and sexual orientation protections. Spokeswoman for Fair Michigan, Sara Wurfel, said the group, co-chaired by Detroit civil rights attorney Dana Nessel and Republican attorney and Lansing insider Richard McLellan will start collecting signatures in January.