State Sen. Larry Farnese (D-First Dist.) this week introduced a bill that would ban LGBT discrimination at the state level.
Farnese’s SB 910 would amend the state Human Relations Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, public accommodations and housing.
Currently classes protected include race, color, familial status, religious creed, ancestry, age, sex, handicap and national origin.
The measure has been introduced to the state legislature for a number of years but has repeatedly stalled. Last session the bill was not introduced in the Senate for strategic reasons, and the House version died in committee.
“In this day and age, it is unthinkable that anyone would suffer discrimination in employment, housing or in public accommodations because of gender identity or sexual orientation,” Farnese said.
Cosponsors include Sens. Pat Browne (R-16th Dist.), Wayne Fontana (D-42nd Dist.), Daylin Leach (D-17th Dist.), Jay Costa (D-43rd Dist.), Anthony Williams (D-Eighth Dist.) and Christine Tartaglione (D-Second Dist.).
Rep. Dan Frankel (D-23rd Dist.) has spearheaded the measure in the past, and a spokesperson said the representative plans to reintroduce his measure at the end of this month.
Farnese’s bill was sent to the State Government Committee.