Pennsylvania Diversity Network Praises City Council Committee Passage of Domestic Partner Benefits in Allentown, PA

in general — by — January 5, 2011

January 5, 2011 – Allentown, PA –

Pennsylvania Diversity Network (PDN) praises the Allentown City Council Human Resources, Administration, and Appointments Committee passage of landmark civil rights legislation to grant equal benefits to same-sex partners of City employees. The committee, chaired by Councilwoman Jeanette Eichenwald, passed the legislation with a unanimous recommendation to the full Council to begin review of the bill. More than 50 supporters attended the meeting and only 3 people spoke against passage.

“We have been working on this legislation for 16 years” said PDN Executive Director Liz Bradbury, “The Committee endorsement is very encouraging, and I am proud of all the council members who have spoken so positively about this legislation.”

The legislation, which is expected to be passed early in 2011 by the full council, would make Allentown the first City in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania, and one of a handful of municipalities across the commonwealth, that recognize the relationships of LGBT employees as equal. Adrian Shanker, City Resident and Vice President of PDN, notes that “the vast majority of Fortune 500 companies provide these benefits because they know that it helps in attracting and retaining the best and brightest workforce”

The vote for final passage could come as early as January 19th after additional data has been reviewed. City Retiree David Moyer is thrilled that Council has taken this issue into consideration. “After 20 years of service to the City of Allentown, I will finally be able to add my partner of 30 years to my health plan, just like my heterosexual counterparts”

The legislation, sponsored by Council President Dr. Michael D’Amore, is co-sponsored by Vice President W. Michael Donovan and council members Jeanette Eichenwald, Michael Schlossberg, and Peter Schweyer, the remaining two members have publicly stated their support.

The City of Allentown is the third largest City in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and has nearly 1000 City Employees.

Pennsylvania Diversity Network is the largest membership-driven LGBT organization in Pennsylvania and is based in the City of Allentown. For more information www.padiversity.org

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