Wednesday, August 26, 2015

PA Non-Discrimination Bill Re-introduced

State Rep. Brian Sims today announced his support for bipartisan bills being re-introduced to update the state's non-discrimination laws.  This would provide protections for the LGBTQ community.  

Looking around, I found more details on Sen. Larry Farnese's website.  Here is an excerpt from his press release:

 State Sens. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh) and Larry Farnese (D-Philadelphia) and Reps. Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) and Tom Killion (R-Delaware) today announced the introduction of the Pennsylvania Fairness Act.

The legislation (Senate Bill 974 and House Bill 1510) would update Pennsylvania’s current nondiscrimination law – originally written in 1955 – to ensure that all citizens regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, disability and now – sexual orientation, gender identity and expression – can participate in and contribute to the state’s economy.

It is currently legal in Pennsylvania to fire someone and deny them housing or business services solely on the basis of the person being gay or transgender.

The Commonwealth is behind on this and the legislation is long overdue.  Here's to hoping it passes.

No comments: