THE LGBTQ+ EQUALITY CAUCUS 


Frankel cheers step forward for the Fairness Act

HARRISBURG, April 24  State Rep. Dan Frankel applauded the approval of the Fairness Act Monday by the Democratic-lead House Judiciary Committee and said Pennsylvanians have waited far too long to see the legislation become law.

“I won’t breathe easy until we see this bill cross the finish line because we have been this close before. But any member who dares oppose it should think hard about how that will be received by their constituents, their neighbors and likely members of their own families,” said Frankel, D-Allegheny. “Every single district in Pennsylvania has LGBTQ+ people living there, and many more who want to live in an inclusive and fair commonwealth.”

The committee passed H.B. 300 12-9.

Frankel shares original co-sponsorship of the legislation with state Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila.; Jessica Benham and La’Tasha D. Mayes, both D-Allegheny; Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster; Greg Scott, D-Montgomery. He noted that an infusion of LGBTQ+ identified members in the Pennsylvania House has brought new energy to the fight to end legal discrimination.

“We are very close to a day when LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians can travel the state or take a new job in another town without fear of being denied housing, education or access to public accommodations simply because of who they are or who they love, and that’s a beautiful thing,” Frankel said.

The bill now heads to the House for consideration.