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Local lawmakers support nondiscrimination effort

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Rep. Jim Christiana

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Rep. Pam Snyder

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Rep. Peter J. Daley

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Rep. Brandon Neuman

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Sen. Camera Bartolotta

Pete Daley did not hesitate.

When asked, “Do you feel gay and transgender people should have protection under the law, in terms of housing and employment?” the state representative, a Democrat from California, replied, “Absolutely. Everybody, no matter who they are, should have protection under the law. I do support protecting everyone’s rights.”

Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Jefferson, offered a similarly resolute response.

“I think everyone should have protection under the law,” she said. “Everyone has the constitutional right to be protected equally.”

A recent survey reveals 78 percent of Pennsylvanians are like-minded and in support of protection for gay and transgender people. However, under the state’s current law, it is legal to fire someone and deny housing and business services solely on the basis of being gay or transgender.

The proposed Pennsylvania Fairness Act, introduced Wednesday in the General Assembly by state Sens. Pat Browne, R-Lehigh, and Larry Farnese, D-Philadelphia, and state Reps. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, and Tom Killion, R-Delaware, would expand the current nondiscrimination law to include people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

The current law, written in 1955, ensures all citizens, regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, age, sex, national origin and disability, can participate in the state’s economy.

“Promoting inclusion and eliminating discrimination fosters growth in Pennsylvania’s economy by ensuring that the commonwealth is able to attract employees from a highly-skilled workforce and, in particular, appeal to members of the innovative millennial generation,” said Browne in a news release.

The same study, conducted by Republican research and polling firm The Tarrance Group, showed that 73 percent of people incorrectly believe discrimination against gay and transgender people already is illegal. While 34 Pennsylvania municipalities, including the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, have passed ordinances to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, there is no statewide law, despite previous efforts in the Legislature.

“All 23 of Pennsylvania’s Fortune 500 companies already have sexual orientation and/or gender identity and expression nondiscrimination policies,” said Killion. “The time is right for the state to support our job creators with a policy that provides uniformity and certainty.”

State Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Carroll, said she does not believe individuals should be discriminated against based upon their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“It’s my understanding that Senator Browne’s recently introduced legislation would prohibit such discrimination, particularly in areas of employment,” Bartolotta said in an email. “I plan to review the merits of his proposal moving forward and look forward to future discussions with my colleagues and constituents on the matter.”

Rep. Jim Christiana, R-Beaver, and Rep. Brandon Neuman, D-North Strabane, also voiced support for protecting all people.

“I do not believe anyone should be discriminated against, and no one’s constitutional rights should be violated,” said Neuman in an email. “I believe this is about protecting basic civil rights for all Pennsylvanians.”

Christiana said it is unfortunate that “human decency” doesn’t do enough to protect every citizen. He said that if the current antidiscrimination law is not effective, he is willing to consider the need for the Fairness Act.

“You have Republicans like Sen. Browne and myself who don’t believe these folks should be discriminated against,” he said.

Rep. Rick Saccone, R-Elizabeth; Rep. Jason Ortitay, R-South Fayette; and Rep. John Maher, R-Upper St. Clair, did not return calls seeking comment.

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