Allegheny County Council Passes Amended Anti-Discrimination Bill

PITTSBURGH -- The Allegheny County Council passed a bill 8-6 on Wednesday night to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community against discrimination in housing and the workplace.

The bill passed with council members called "the Philadelphia amendment," which exempt fraternal, religious, charitable and sectarian organizations. Otherwise, the bill prohibits most discrimination based on certain characteristics when it comes to housing, employment and personal accommodations.

In a statement released shortly before 8:30 p.m., Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato said he will sign the bill.

"With this ordinance, Allegheny County is sending a message that discrimination is never acceptable," Onorato said.

The city of Pittsburgh has had similar legislation in place for 20 years, and many hoped that the bill will be passed countywide.

Proponents said the bill represents more than human rights, saying it's about attracting young professionals to the region; however, some religious leaders are opposed to the bill.

"If you look at it, the LGBT community is the last population to be discriminated against throughout the country," said Gary Van Horn, a proponent. "I'm going to look at that community to see how they're treated. If they're treated well, I'm going to move to that area. It has a huge economic impact here in Allegheny County."

The anti-discrimination bill was second on the council's agenda.

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