PA House Judiciary Committee Votes to Approve LGBTQ Nondiscrimination Legislation

HARRISBURG, Pa. — This afternoon the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee voted to advance HB 300, which is legislation that would provide nondiscrimination protections in employment, housing, and public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. PYC leaders were present for the vote and had helped organize LGBTQ Pennsylvanians from across the state to attend the committee meeting.

This is only the second time comprehensive LGBTQ nondiscrimination legislation has advanced in the General Assembly out of committee. In 2009, the House State Government Committee voted to advance the bill, also then HB 300. In 2016, the Senate Urban Affairs Committee moved a bill for LGBTQ-inclusive housing protections. Comprehensive LGBTQ nondiscrimination legislation has been introduced every legislative session since 2003, although the first bill which only included protections on the basis of sexual orientation was introduced in 1976. LGBTQ nondiscrimination bills have been introduced by both Republicans and Democrats but have languished without votes.

Preston Heldibridle, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Youth Congress, said “It is long past time for LGBTQ Pennsylvanians to be treated with equal dignity under the law in our Commonwealth. Pennsylvania has been the only state from Virginia through Maine to neglect to have these basic protections ensuring LGBTQ Pennsylvanians cannot be turned away from a job, an apartment, or a restaurant simply due to who they are or who they love. Today the PA House Judiciary Committee sent the message that Pennsylvania is working to welcome and protect the rights of all community members. Now, both chambers of the General Assembly must act to ensure LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections are enshrined into law to make Pennsylvania a stronger and more welcoming place for all. We thank all the legislators and Pennsylvanians who made today’s vote possible.”

The Pennsylvania Youth Congress launched the Pennsylvania Values campaign in 2020 to coalesce the public support for LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections in Pennsylvania. It has since grown to be the largest-ever campaign for nondiscrimination protections in Pennsylvania history. Over 30 regional chambers of commerce, dozens of Pennsylvania’s major employers, nearly 50 colleges and universities, and numerous faith leaders have shared their strong support for legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. More information on Pennsylvania Values can be found on pavalues.org.

According to a PRRI survey in 2022, 77% of Pennsylvanians support LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections.

HB 300 now heads to the full House for second consideration on the floor.

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The Pennsylvania Youth Congress advances freedom and justice for young LGBT Pennsylvanians through advocating for responsible public policy. As a youth-led organization established in 2011, PYC represents citizens working toward safer schools and thriving communities across the commonwealth.
payouthcongress.org