PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvania remains the only state in the northeast that lacks laws that would protect citizens from being fired from their jobs or evicted from their homes based solely on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Senator Bob Casey and members of Governor Tom Wolf‘s administration met in Pittston yesterday to address the need for non-discrimination laws at both the federal and state level. LGBT Pennsylvanians deserve to live in a state that is inclusive and welcoming for everyone. Governor Wolf has already signed executive orders protecting commonwealth employees. It is now up to Congress and the state legislature to pass bills that will protect all Pennsylvanians.
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Hazleton Standard Speaker: Casey pushes equality in Pittston
Casey said lack of these laws allows for LGBT people to be “married on Saturday and fired on Monday,” or face other discrimination in housing and other services because of their sexual orientation or gender expression. “If we’re going to persist with this kind of discrimination, I don’t think we’re the country we claim to be,” he said. Casey noted his sponsorship of the federal Equality Act, which could expand protections of the Civil Rights Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity. He called for a vote on the Pennsylvania Fairness Act and the Equality Act.
WBRE/WYOU: Advocates not giving up anti-discrimination law fight
Wilkes-Barre Times Leader: LGBT legislation all about equality, state and federal leaders say
“This has been a difficult year for the LGBT community,” [Physician General Dr. Rachel Levine] said. “On the heels of celebrations and congratulations of marriage equality just over a year ago, this year, 2016, has been tough.” Levine cited the actions by North Carolina and Mississippi to legalize discrimination against the LGBT community to the horrific tragedy of the Orlando shootings. “It is clear the fight to end discrimination is not over,” Levine said. “These events are a clear call to action. This country must do more.”
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