Thursday, March 5, 2009

LGBT Non-Discrimination Bill Introduced -- Lobby Day March 17!‏

from Equality Advocates:


Did you know that across Pennsylvania, it is completely legal to fire someone from their job simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression? Although some local jurisdictions have protections against this type of discrimination, nearly 80% of Pennsylvanians live in areas with absolutely no protection.

Today, Representative Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny County) introduced House Bill 300 with 78 other co-sponsors from every corner of the Commonwealth. HB 300 would amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to protect people against discrimination in employment, housing, and public accomodations because of one's sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. For more information on today's announcement, click here. Recent polling shows broad-based support for this bill from every area across the Commonwealth, but our officials need to hear from us!

Join other LGBT and allied people from across Pennsylvania in Harrisburg for our statewide lobby day and rally on Tuesday, March 17 to "Rock the Dome" and speak, together as one community, and one voice, for fairness and equality for all Pennsylvanians! The Lobby Day and Rally is organized by the Value All Families Coalition, comprised of statewide, regional, and local organizations promoting LGBT equality.

Whether you're a seasoned activist or you've never spoken to your legislator before, we will provide all the information you need to successfully advocate to your elected officials on LGBT-related issues. We will provide all the training you need, a free lunch, and then together fill the historic Capitol Rotunda to rally for equality!

Join us at 11:30am at St. Michael's Lutheran Church (118 State Street)in Harrisburg for a complimentary lunch and advocacy training. At 1:00pm we will move to the Capitol Rotunda for the rally, and afterward speak with our legislators on the importance of passing this non-discrimination bill.

For those coming from Pittsburgh or Philadelphia, we are providing free transportation to Harrisburg on a first-come, first-serve basis. The bus will leave Pittsburgh at 7:30am from IBEW Local Union Number 5 at 5 Hot Metal Street in Pittsburgh (free parking available). Plan to be back around 7:30pm. Buses will be leaving from Center City, Philadelphia at 9:00am, location to be announced shortly. Contact Jake at Equality Advocates for more info: jkaskey@equalitypa.org

Our elected officials need to hear from every one of us about this important legislation, so I hope you will attend the March 17 Lobby Day and Rally!

If we stand up and speak out with one voice, we will see this important legislation move forward in the statehouse!

See you all on Tuesday, March 17!

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