The out lesbian at the helm of the city agency that enforces Philadelphia’s anti-bias law will remain in the position under the new mayoral administration.
In a statement Wednesday, newly inaugurated Mayor Jim Kenney announced that Rue Landau will continue to serve as executive director of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations.
“Rue Landau has done an excellent job leading the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations,” Kenney said. “I have no doubt that she will continue to build on her successful tenure ensure that the rights of all Philadelphians are respected.”
As director, Landau oversees the unit’s work enforcing the Fair Practices Ordinance, among other responsibilities. The anti-bias law has included protections for sexual orientation since the 1980s and gender identity since 2002.
Landau assumed the role under then-Mayor Michael Nutter in 2008. During her tenure, Landau helped pioneer the first full overhaul of the Fair Practices Ordinance in about 50 years. The effort led to standardized language throughout to bring the law in compliance with state and federal laws, and to close any loopholes. The update also included an increase of the fine associated with a violation of the law.
Kenney noted that Landau was also influential in the recent amendments to the city’s Ban the Box law, which governs questions about criminal records during the employment-application process.
Prior to helming the Commission, Landau was a senior attorney in the Housing Unit at Community Legal Services, where she specialized in landlord-tenant law.
Landau is one of several LGBT individuals who will head of city departments under the Kenney administration.
Kenney announced last month that Nellie Fitzpatrick will remain the director of the Office of LGBT Affairs, a position she was appointed to in January 2014.
Anne Fadullon will serve as director of the Planning and Development Cabinet, a new cabinet voters recently approved to combine and oversee the city divisions of development services, housing, and zoning and planning. Jeff Guaracino will become president and CEO of Welcome America Inc., the official producer of Philadelphia’s Independence Day celebration. The nonprofit is expected to expand its focus to create citywide events year-round.