County Council Holds Public Hearing On Human Relations Commission

Allegheny County Council held a public hearing regarding a proposed Human Relations Committee that would provide discrimination protection to members of the gay, lesbian and transgender community. 85 people signed up to speak in front of the council and voice their support or their disdain for the proposed legislation.

Many people who supported the legislation cited the city of Pittsburgh as an example of a successful anti discrimination policy that protects gays, lesbians and transgendered people from discrimination in housing, employment or other public accommodations. Many people who opposed the legislation did so for moral or religious reasons.

The legislation, authored by councilwoman Amanda Green, would create a human relations commission in the county that would look into allegations of discrimination against people of any race, age, gender, or sexual orientation. The bill is co sponsored by 7 members of council. The bill needs 8 votes to be approved and passed on to county executive Dan Onorato for authorization, or 10 votes if Onorato were to veto it.