Two Pennsylvania municipalities are currently considering laws to ban discrimination, including in the area of employment, on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

At present, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is not prohibited by either federal or Pennsylvania state law, although a proposed federal law, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), is pending in the United State Congress, and neighboring states such as New Jersey and New York have passed similar laws.  However, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and 14 other municipalities have already passed local ordinances prohibiting such discrimination. 

In the next several weeks, Lower Merion Township and Doylestown are poised to vote on similar ordinances.  On July 7^th, the 13 commissioners of Lower Merion Township voted unanimously to recommend a motion to draft a proposed ordinance.  The ordinance, which would be subject to further discussion and a public hearing, also would include creation of a township human relations commission that would potentially administer and enforce claims of discrimination.  Doylestown is also poised to pass an anti-discrimination ordinance next month.

Notwithstanding the lack of statutory protection on the federal and state level, most Fortune 500 companies provide employment protection for lesbian, gay, and transgender employees. 

This newsletter is a publication of Nochumson P.C. and is intended for general information only. It should not be construed as legal advice with respect to any particular situation, and readers should not act upon information contained in this newsletter without first consulting an attorney. Copyright © 2009.