On September 12th, The Human Rights Campaign applauded the borough council
of New Hope, Pennsylvania, for unanimously passing a non-discrimination
ordinance that included sexual orientation and gender identity. Allentown,
Erie County and Philadelphia have all passed similar laws in the last
several months, making New Hope the fourth Pennsylvania locality to enact
this type of non-discrimination ordinance this year.
"Pennsylvania is part of a growing national trend where communities are
rejecting discrimination and supporting equality for everyone," said HRC
National Field Director, Seth Kilbourn. "HRC is eager to work with state
and local groups to help enact fair minded laws everywhere."
The New Hope borough council is also sending letters to state and federal
representatives encouraging them to pass similar legislation statewide.
Under current law, it is still legal in 38 states to fire someone based
solely on their sexual orientation. In 48 states, it is legal to fire
someone based on their gender identity. HRC works in partnership with
grassroots organizations in towns like New Hope to enact local
non-discrimination policies and other fair-minded laws.
"Our progress in municipal legislation this year is based on the commitment
of people in local and national advocacy organizations forming strong
alliances and working well together," said Doug Shaps, Executive Director of
Outfront, a Pennsylvania gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender advocacy
group. "There is still a long road ahead in our pursuit of equality for our
GLBT citizens across the state and the country."
"The latest victory in New Hope, and earlier success in other Pennsylvania
cities and counties, represent the combined efforts of the, HRC, Outfront,
the Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, the Pennsylvania Gay and
Lesbian Alliance, and the Pennsylvania Gender Rights Coalition," said Mara
Keisling, co-chair of the Pennsylvania Gender Rights Coalition.
HRC is working with local and state activists to replicate the successes in
Pennsylvania across the country. For more information, or to learn about
issues and legislation in other parts of the country, please visit
www.hrc.org/stateaction/index.asp.
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