DEMOCRATS FIGHTING FOR YOU

“Pennsylvania is a better place when it’s fair. And right now, too many Pennsylvanians can legally be discriminated against because of who they are, because of how they identify in critical aspects of their lives, including housing, including education, and winning public accommodations.” PA State Representative Malcom Kenyatta (D-Philly)

With Pride Month behind us and Berks Pride Fest fast approaching on July 20, now is the time to revisit Pennsylvania’s legacy of LGBTQ+ leadership and what is still under threat. Let’s turn back to the 1970s, long before federal protections kicked in, our Commonwealth was leading the country with real action:

• Governor Milton Shapp, a Democrat, signed the first ever executive order banning sexual orientation discrimination for state employees in 1975.

• In 1976, the Pennsylvania Council for Sexual Minorities became the first government body in the U.S. to advise on sexual minority policy.

• Harrisburg hosted its first gay rights protest fighting back against anti-LGBTQ+  legislation in 1977.

• The seventies also saw Philly and Pittsburgh pride parades hit the streets.

So why, with all this precedent, is Pennsylvania still the only Northeastern state without statewide protections for LGBTQ+ folks? You guessed it! Our Republican-controlled State Senate, where progressive bills go to die, is sitting on the Fairness Act (HB300).  The bill, sponsored by PA State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, the first openly gay Black man elected to statewide office, would finally enshrine protections for sexual orientation and gender identity.
 
Pride has built the legacy, Kenyatta is setting the precedent, and now it’s our turn to bring the pressure.

Call, share, and vote like your rights depend on it - because they do. 

Call your senator to demand support for HB300.