Councilwoman Hopes to Expand Discrimination Law

The city of Pittsburgh has wording to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender residents from discrimination, but that protection does not extend beyond city limits. Allegheny County Councilwoman Amanda Green hopes to change that. Her bill (Ordinance 0421), which is currently in committee, would re-word county discrimination law to include "gender identity" and "sexual orientation." The measure would also create a 16-member Human Relations Commission to hear complaints and hold hearings on discrimination cases concerning housing, employment and public accommodations. Green says she has seen growing support for her bill. Since the measure was presented at the end of November, 11 other council members have signed on as sponsors of the legislation. A public hearing on the proposed ordinance is set for January 15th.