Challenge to Conshohocken’s LGBT ordinance ends
James D. Schneller, co-founder of the antigay Philadelphia Metro Task Force, has dropped his legal challenge of Conshohocken’s LGBT civil-rights ordinance.
In an Aug. 28 filing with state Commonwealth Court, Schneller withdrew his challenge without elaborating.
Enacted in April 2011, the ordinance grants civil-rights protections to LGBTs and other groups in the areas of housing, employment, public education and public accommodations.
Violators face a fine of $500 and up to 90 days in jail for each offense.
In September 2011, Schneller filed a legal challenge of the ordinance’s validity, claiming it fosters the spread of diseases, harms children and infringes on protected religious freedoms.
In March, Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Bernard A. Moore dismissed Schneller’s challenge on the basis that it lacked legal standing.
But Schneller appealed the dismissal in state Commonwealth Court.
The ordinance remained in effect while Schneller’s legal challenge was pending.
Michael J. Savona, borough solicitor for Conshohocken, was pleased that Schneller withdrew his appeal.
“On behalf of the borough, I’m ecstatic,” Savona told PGN. “It’s vindication for us. Perhaps Mr. Schneller has realized that Pennsylvania allows local governments to adopt protections for all classes of citizens — including LGBT citizens — and that pursuing his appeal would have been a waste of time, effort and money.”
He said the Conshohocken borough council may file suit against Schneller to recover the legal fees and expenses incurred during the litigation.
“Council is still considering whether to file an action to recoup its legal feels and expenses from Schneller for litigating this frivolous matter,” Savona said.
Schneller, who represented himself during the litigation, couldn’t be reached for comment.
In a prior interview, Schneller said the Philadelphia Metro Task Force has about 75 members representing about 20 municipalities in the state.
— Tim Cwiek
Allentown to stage ‘8’
The acclaimed stage show about California’s ongoing fight for marriage equality makes its way to the Lehigh Valley this weekend.
The Civic Theatre of Allentown will host a one-night-only performance of “8: The Play” at 8 p.m. Sept. 8.
Created by “Milk” screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, the play chronicles the 2008 passage of Proposition 8, which overturned California’s same-sex marriage law, and the ensuing backlash. The work presents testimony from transcripts from the landmark court case — which is likely headed to the U.S. Supreme Court — as a court order prevented videotaping within the courtroom.
The event will serve as a fundraiser for Pennsylvania Diversity Network and will include readings from PDN executive director Liz Bradbury and Equality Pennsylvania president Adrian Shanker, who will also lead an audience talk-back.
Tickets to the event are $20 and can be purchased online at www.civictheatre.com or by calling 610-432-8943.
Show ‘A Day with HIV’
Positively Aware magazine is asking those affected by HIV to share their experiences through a photo.
The magazine is looking for digital photos to be taken Sept. 21 for its third annual “A Day with HIV” photo essay. The picture can reflect any aspect of one’s involvement with the disease.
“We’re asking everyone affected by HIV, whether they are positive or negative, to share with all of us an image of their life that expresses what it means to live with HIV,” said magazine editor Jeff Berry. “Their images, captured over a single day, will create a rich photographic tapestry of hope, strength and support.”
The selected photos will be published in the magazine’s November/December issue.
Photos can be submitted at www.adaywithhiv.com. Entries will be accepted through Sept. 25.
— Jen Colletta
