Why Pennsylvania Needs a Change to the Anti-Discimination Law
We are Not Leaders, but Behind Many Other States
Many states have already amended their state civil rights laws to protect against this kind of discrimination.
Twenty states: California, Colorado, Connecti- cut, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia have laws protecting gay, lesbian, and bisexual people from discrimination. Thirteen states also prohibit discrimination against trans- gender people through legislation or case law. Almost 300 municipalities in the United States, including 14 in Pennsylvania, have civil rights protections based upon sexual orientation, gender identity, or both.
Of the places within Pennsylvania that already offer these types of protections, Pittsburgh, has had it on the books for almost 20 years. Opponents often suggest horror stories if such a law is passed, however, there is no proof to support these exagerated fear-tactic claims. Yet, without such protections on a larger level than the city, it is possible to live where there is protection, and work, where there isn’t. This creates a lack of safety and corrodes a sense of security. At a time when we need to be bringing young productive and creative people into our state, many choose to leave or select other more welcoming states.
This change will make Pennsylvania competitive with our neighbors
Our neighboring states of Maryland, New Jersey, and New York already have laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
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