Friend –

For just the second time in 14 years, legislation to add sexual orientation and gender identity and expression to Pennsylvania's nondiscrimination law has been approved by a committee in the state House of Representatives. The Fairness Act could be voted on in the state House as soon as Monday.

Tell your state representative to support ending discrimination against LGBQ, trans, and nonbinary Pennsylvanians and vote "yes" on House Bill 300.

This is a matter of basic fairness and dignity. LGBQ+T Pennsylvanians face discrimination on a regular basis and should be able to go about their lives free from worry that their ability to earn a living or put a roof over their heads or have a meal at a restaurant will be impacted by who they are. This bill makes a clear statement that the commonwealth rejects discrimination.

Although LGBQ+T people who experience discrimination in Pennsylvania currently have recourse, there is no state law guaranteeing these protections. The agency that enforces the nondiscrimination law, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, interprets the protected class of sex to include sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. If you or someone you know experiences discrimination at the workplace, in trying to buy or rent a home, or at a business that is open to the public, you can file a complaint with the commission.

The Fairness Act, HB 300, strengthens that ban on LGBQ+T discrimination by writing it into law. The commission's regulation could be overturned by a future administration. It is much more difficult to repeal something that has been signed into law.

We are on the precipice of a historic moment. This legislation has never received a vote on the floor of either the state House or Senate. Tell your state representative to vote "yes" on House Bill 300.

In liberty,

Elizabeth Randol
Legislative Director, ACLU of Pennsylvania