Some good news out of southeastern Pennsylvania: the Reading City Council has passed an ordinance banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. The ordinance is similar to the one passed by the Allegheny County Council earlier this year, and Reading joins the 15 jurisdictions in Pennsylvania with these protections in place.
According to Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission Chairperson Stephen Glassman, this law has been in the works for two and a half years. The measure, introduced by Councilwoman Maria Bayez and supported by city mayor Tom McMahon, passed in a 6-1 vote.
This is a great development for equality in Pennsylvania, and we are happy that this discrimination is being outlawed in more places across the Commonwealth. We need to continue to push for passage of HB 300, which would extend these protections statewide. Contact your state representative if you haven’t already!
