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Pennsylvania Non-Discrimination Law
Equality Advocates Pennsylvania, formerly the Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, is working to amend the state's non-discrimination law to include sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.
On April 10, 2007, the Pennsylvania Senate introduced legislation prohibiting discrimination on the bases of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in employment, housing and public accomodations. On June 13, 2007, the Pennsylvania House introduced similar legislation.
Take action now by asking your Senator and Representative to support Senate Bill 761 and House Bill 1400!
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Please Support LGBT Non-Discrimination Bill
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
I am writing to urge you to support SB 761 and HB 1400. This legislation would amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to prohibit discrimination on the bases of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in employment, housing and public accommodations.
I feel it is important for all members of our society to be protected from discrimination.
An overwhelming majority of Americans believe that hard working and law-abiding citizens should not be discriminated against in the workplace, yet under Pennsylvania law, it is legal to fire someone simply for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
I ask that you take a stand for equality by supporting civil rights bills that protect lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender Pennsylvanians from discrimination. Thank you.
Sincerely,
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Campaign Launched:
June 15, 2007
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While some of our state's residents and visitors are covered by local ordinances, LGBT people can be discriminated against without any recourse by simply crossing the city, county or borough line. The lack of uniform policy across the state also leads to confusion for LGBT people and employers, landlords and businesses.
Thirteen Pennsylvania municipalities have already enacted civil rights laws including protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. These municipalities are Allentown, Easton, Erie County, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lansdowne, New Hope, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, Swarthmore, West Chester and York. State College also has an ordinance that only covers sexual orientation discrimination in housing.
Current Pennsylvania law provides basic legal protection against discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, handicap or disability, education and the use of a guide dog.
Equality Advocates Pennsylvania is coordinating a coalition of allies from the Value All Families Coalition to see that this legislation is passed into state law. The coalition is comprised of LGBT organizations, civil rights groups, labor unions and religious organizations, among others.
Please join us by writing to your state legislators! Let them know that you think it is only fair to protect LGBT people from being fired, thrown out of their homes, or refused services, simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Your voice is especially important if you have been the victim of this type of discrimination in Pennsylvania.
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