Introduced last year, HB 300 would explicitly add sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes. It’s deadlocked in the Pennsylvania Senate with little time left.
HARRISBURG, Pa. — After years of pushing different variations of the Pennsylvania Equity ActThe latest push introduced in 2023 may be running out of time.
As the LGBTQ Equality Caucus in Harrisburg celebrated what they call the latest advances in equality, as all five state regulatory boards now officially oppose and punish those who engage in conversion therapy, state lawmakers say there is still work to be done in this legislative session.
State Rep. Patty Kim (D-103) is one of those lawmakers.
“We have the power to do it at once: all 13 million people could have the same rights,” said Rep. Kim.
The blow, he says, is the Pennsylvania Fairness Act. Passed last year by the state House, the bill would specifically enshrine sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes in Pennsylvania’s constitution, along with classes including, but not limited to, race, age and religious affiliation.
“We need this anti-discrimination bill so that someone in the LGBTQ community can’t be fired or kicked out of their home,” said Rep. Kim.
That need has not changed according to officials of the Pennsylvania Youth Congress. Confirmed again this month, after interviews in 2023, the group is still fielding calls from LGBTQ+ people facing workplace harassment, housing discrimination, and more.
“These issues will persist until a state law is passed,” said Jason Landau-Goodman, board president of the Pennsylvania Youth Congress.
“They have to include sexual orientation so that we are truly protected without a doubt.”
Despite widespread support, Rep. Kim says the bill may be dying a slow death in the state Senate.
“Having that session and not giving people the freedom to have those rights drives me crazy,” Rep. Kim said.
If the bill is not passed by the end of the two-year legislative session, which ends Nov. 30, the process would likely have to start over.
Meanwhile, the number of local municipalities with anti-discrimination ordinances continues to grow. Now, 74 counties, districts, townships or other municipalities offer protections for the LGBTQ+ community, one more of these dates last year.
However, according to Rep. Kim, that only covers 35% of Pennsylvanians.
“Good for them. I’m grateful for them. But it has to be for everyone in Pennsylvania,” Rep. Kim said.
While current officials interpret Pennsylvania law to protect the LGBTQ+ community, officials say interpretations often change. Pennsylvania remains the only northeastern state without explicit protections for the LGBTQ+ community.
“It sends the wrong message to Pennsylvanians, whether you’re gay or not,” said Rep. Kim. “We are treating certain people differently and not giving them the same rights. Why would you want to come to Pennsylvania? We have a lot of work to do.”
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