Post by Ayla on Apr 7, 2016 14:59:30 GMT 8
www.pennlive.com/news/2016/04/protect_transgender_people_sta.html
Gov. Tom Wolf is pressing Pennsylvania lawmakers to pass a stalled bill intended to ensure equal rights regardless of sexual identify or orientation.
He issued a statement after North Carolina passed its law requiring transgender people to use the public restroom that's consistent with the gender listed on their birth certificate.
"What North Carolina did is wrong, and equally as troubling is the Pennsylvania General Assembly's inaction on passing non-discrimination legislation in the commonwealth to ensure that all people – regardless of sexual orientation, gender expression, and identity – are treated equally under Pennsylvania law. This fundamental right is essential, and enjoys broad, bipartisan support," he said.
Now a public debate over the law has arose, with a social conservative group taking steps including posting billboard messages and otherwise publicizing its view the anti-discrimination law would lead to the end of gender-specific restrooms, and to more sexual assaults in public restrooms, according to the Associated Press.
However, Pennsylvania Competes, a business advocacy group supported by companies including The Hershey Co. on Tuesday said the group should take down the "inaccurate, fear-based misinformation," the Associated Press reported.
And in North Carolina on Tuesday, PayPal said the restroom law had prompted it to cancel plans to build a call center in the state that would have employed 400 people, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Wolf said, "What happened in North Carolina, and what is going on in other states, should be a call to pass non-discrimination legislation in Pennsylvania now. The time is now, and I urge the legislature to send a bill to my desk. We need to send a signal that Pennsylvania is inclusive, welcoming, and open for business for everyone. We must show that Pennsylvania is the place that William Penn envisioned when he founded our commonwealth on the principle that it is open, diverse, and inclusive for all people."
Versions of the bill have sat in committees in the state House and Senate, which are each controlled by Republicans.
Gov. Tom Wolf is pressing Pennsylvania lawmakers to pass a stalled bill intended to ensure equal rights regardless of sexual identify or orientation.
He issued a statement after North Carolina passed its law requiring transgender people to use the public restroom that's consistent with the gender listed on their birth certificate.
"What North Carolina did is wrong, and equally as troubling is the Pennsylvania General Assembly's inaction on passing non-discrimination legislation in the commonwealth to ensure that all people – regardless of sexual orientation, gender expression, and identity – are treated equally under Pennsylvania law. This fundamental right is essential, and enjoys broad, bipartisan support," he said.
Now a public debate over the law has arose, with a social conservative group taking steps including posting billboard messages and otherwise publicizing its view the anti-discrimination law would lead to the end of gender-specific restrooms, and to more sexual assaults in public restrooms, according to the Associated Press.
However, Pennsylvania Competes, a business advocacy group supported by companies including The Hershey Co. on Tuesday said the group should take down the "inaccurate, fear-based misinformation," the Associated Press reported.
And in North Carolina on Tuesday, PayPal said the restroom law had prompted it to cancel plans to build a call center in the state that would have employed 400 people, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Wolf said, "What happened in North Carolina, and what is going on in other states, should be a call to pass non-discrimination legislation in Pennsylvania now. The time is now, and I urge the legislature to send a bill to my desk. We need to send a signal that Pennsylvania is inclusive, welcoming, and open for business for everyone. We must show that Pennsylvania is the place that William Penn envisioned when he founded our commonwealth on the principle that it is open, diverse, and inclusive for all people."
Versions of the bill have sat in committees in the state House and Senate, which are each controlled by Republicans.