The bill that would add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression” to the state’s nondiscrimination law was voted out of the House State Government Committee on March 11 — the first time the legislation had made it out of committee. The vote was strictly on party lines: 12 Democrats for, 11 Republicans against.
Last year, sponsors hosted four hearings across the state on a similar bill, with supporters and opponents speaking about the need for the protections and their concerns about it, respectively.
After the vote, the bill was referred to the Appropriations Committee, where it awaits another vote. Rep. Dwight Evans — a cosponsor of the bill — chairs this committee and, with a Democratic majority, shouldn’t have any problem passing it to the full House, though it isn’t scheduled for a vote yet.
To date, Gov. Rendell has stated he would sign the bill if and when it crossed his desk, which signals the bill has his support — even if it’s a bit tepid.
To some, this appears as though the governor is backpedaling. Rendell is known for his support of the community, both in word and deed. He has attended annual pride events; issued an executive order banning discrimination for transgender state employees; appointed the first openly gay judge in the city of Philadelphia, as well as an openly gay man to head the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission; and, as mayor, signed Philadelphia’s domestic-partner law. He also led Chelsea Clinton on a Gayborhood bar crawl during the presidential primary campaign last year.
If the governor is such a staunch supporter, why hasn’t he been a stronger advocate for the statewide antidiscrimination bill? To be sure, it’s a political decision. To gain the support of Democrats and Republicans in the full House and ensure the bill’s passage, he’d have to either give up something on his agenda or pledge support for an item on theirs. He’s certainly weighing the political repercussions — but at least the two-term governor isn’t worrying about a reelection campaign. And he’s bargained for other issues, less important than equal rights.
With the economic crisis in full swing and budget deficits looming, it’s understandable that LGBT rights aren’t on the top of everyone’s list right now. But we’d like to believe the governor and our legislators can walk and chew gum at the same time.
Governor, may we suggest you host a planning session with House and Senate Democratic leaders to develop the best strategy to pass this bill? This legislative session is the best chance the bill has had, and you have the political capital. We’re asking you to stand up for your LGBT constituents.