January 26, 2011 – Allentown, PA –

Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski today signed legislation to provide equal benefits to Same-Sex partners of City employees as they provide to married heterosexuals. The legislation, introduced by Council President Dr. Michael D’Amore, passed unanimously through City Council on January 19th.

“Allentown must be a city of inclusion, a city where every person counts.” Stated Pawlowski, “I am pleased and proud to sign this legislation into law in the City of Allentown.” The Mayor’s signature made Allentown the fourth municipality in Pennsylvania to offer same sex partner benefits.

“We have been working on this legislation for 16 years” said Liz Bradbury, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Diversity Network “This is landmark legislation, Allentown’s government has made a public statement that it fully supports its gay and lesbian workers and their families”

Adrian Shanker, City Resident and Vice President of Pennsylvania Diversity Network, hailed today’s ceremony as “an exciting moment in Allentown history” Shanker said “I am proud that Mayor Pawlowski and every member of City Council have agreed that equality and fairness are non-negotiable and have turned this common-sense proposal into law.”

Council Vice President Peter Schweyer, was an original co-sponsor of the bill who was on hand for the signing ceremony. “Allentown is now following the best business practices by offering equal benefits to all of our staff, we are now in line with some of the nations top employers, including a majority of Fortune 500 companies” said Schweyer.

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 Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. For more information www.padiversity.org

Allentown’s government has made a public statement that it fully supports its gay and lesbian workers and their families.