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Allegheny County Non-Discrimination Ordinance
Did you know that in Allegheny County it is legal to fire someone from their job simply because that person may be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender? It unfortunately is true, and happens even today all too often. We need your support to end this discrimination, and help pass a county-wide non-discrimination ordinance that would protect all LGBT people.
This past summer, Councilwoman Amanda Green introduced legislation prohibiting discrimination on the bases of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in employment, housing and public accomodations.
Take action now by asking your Councilperson to support Ordinance 4201-08, a county-wide non-discrimination ordinance!
We also need to show the County Council that their constituents support fairness for all people. A hearing for public comment on this ordinance will take place on January 15th at 5:00 p.m. at the Allegheny County Courthouse, 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh on the fourth floor Gold Room.
The American Family Association of Pennsylvania has mobilized their membership against this ordinance, and we need to show Councilmembers the broad-based support this bill has!
Please take a moment to e-mail your councilmember, and attend this hearing. We must stand up for our voices to be heard!
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Please Support Ordinance 4201-08, the Non-Discrimination Bill!
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
I am writing to urge you to support Ordinance 4201-08. This legislation would 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 the law, it is legal to fire someone simply for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender in Allegheny County.
I ask that you take a stand for equality by supporting civil rights bills that protect lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people from discrimination. Thank you.
Sincerely,
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Campaign Launched:
January 01, 2009
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While Pittsburgh's residents and visitors are covered by a local ordinances, LGBT people can be discriminated against without any recourse by simply crossing the city line into Allegheny County. The lack of uniform policy across the region 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.
Various organizations across the region, both LGBT and allied, support this important ordinance. The Value All Famlies Coalition works to support this type of legislation at the regional and state level, and is comprised of LGBT organizations, civil rights groups, labor unions and religious organizations, among others.
Please join us by writing to your councilperson! 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!
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