Anti-Gay Michigan Assistant Attorney General Andrew Shirvell Takes Personal Leave Of Absence; Will Face Disciplinary Actions Upon Return

The Detroit Free Press reports that Thursday Michigan anti-gay assistant attorney general Andrew Shirvell began a personal leave of absence after state Attorney General Mike Cox spent most if not all of the past week defended Shirvell and his right to free speech in connection to a blog Shirvell started in the spring attacking University of Michigan Student Assembly President Chris Armstrong, who is openly gay, Shirvell accusing Armstrong of using his platform as president to advance a “radical homosexual agenda.” A spokesperson for the attorney general’s office, Joy Yearout, said Friday “Contrary to other reports, he has not been suspended. He’s taking a leave of absence. It was a personal decision on his part.” She added that the attorney general has no comment of Shirvell’s decision and that the office does not know when Shirvell will return. However, the office did state that upon his return, Shirvell will face disciplinary action, another spokesperson, John Sellek, explained, for the assistant attorney general to explain other matters than those covered by free speech. “On his blog where he has a video of himself standing in front of Mr. Armstrong’s house at 1 in the morning, (Cox) said that’s not behaviour he’d recommend for any state employee. There’s not a change in his position. In addition to the free speech side, which (Cox) feels strongly about protecting, he’s also looking at the conduct of this employee.”