“Marriage equality is now a reality in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, but at the end of the day you can still be fired for putting your wedding photo on your desk,” says State Representative Erin Molchany.
With a lack of legislative protections, same-sex couples in many parts of PA still face legal discrimination in the workplace, when it comes to housing, and in public accommodations.
“I would imagine that a state that does not have these kinds of protections would not be marketable to attracting talent, for businesses, employees,” Molchany said.
This is just one of the reasons why she is a co-sponsor of House Bill 300, which would eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. She’s also promoting Senate Bill 300, which includes similar language.
With support from all of PA’s Democratic Senators and 2 Republican Senators, Molchany expects SB 300 to pass soon. HB 300, however, is in the House Government Committee and faces opposition from chairman Daryl Metcalfe. He declined our request to participate in the discussion.
