End discrimination against GLBTs in PA workplaces

End discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Pennsylvanians

Dear Jim, As a gay man living in Pennsylvania and as the first openly gay legislator in the history of the Commonwealth, I am thrilled to be able to witness the progress our country is making in equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans in states across the country. However, many Pennsylvanians are shocked to discover there are still no protections for LGBT individuals under the law in Pennsylvania. The time has come for our laws to include a basic level of protection for members of the LGBT community in Pennsylvania. That's why I’ve not only co-sponsored House Bill 300 this legislative session, but am also working hard with prime sponsors Rep. Dan Frankel and Rep. Chris Ross to build support for its passage. As a part of this effort, I started my own campaign on CREDO's new petition site to alert my colleagues in the Pennsylvania House and Senate to the groundswell of support for LGBT equality. My petition, which is to Pennsylvania state legislators, says the following: The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania should be a place that welcomes any individual who wants to work hard, succeed, and grow our economy without fear of being fired or refused services simply because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Stand up for equality in Pennsylvania and support House Bill 300 to prohibit discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression in employment, housing and accommodations. Currently, we protect our citizens from discrimination based on race, religion, gender, age, and disability, yet there is no protection for victims of discrimination based on sexual orientation. Employers in Pennsylvania have the right to terminate a person’s employment or to refuse employment altogether to people who identify as LGBT. And for those who are fortunate to find stable employment where they are free to be themselves, there is still the threat that they may suddenly be evicted from their homes if their landlord disapproves of their sexual orientation. They could even be denied service at a restaurant or other public accommodation. Our legislation is a matter of fairness, a matter of economics, and a matter of common sense. The time has come for Pennsylvania to embrace this fact. If enough people like you stand up with me and demand your legislators support House Bill 300, we can build the pressure needed to move Pennsylvania into the future. Click here to learn more and add your name to my petition to Pennsylvania state legislators, to demand they support House Bill 300 to prohibit discrimination against LGBT Pennsylvanians. Thank you for your support. State Rep. Brian Sims 182nd Legislative District House of Representatives Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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