In August 2018, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) - the state agency that enforces the commonwealth's nondiscrimination law - announced that it accepts complaints of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations as a form of sex discrimination. Although neither federal law nor Pennsylvania law explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, some federal courts and federal agencies have taken the same position as the PHRC, that discrimination against TLGBQIA+ people is a form of gender or sex discrimination based on unfair gender stereotypes.

Related Content

Press Release
Dec 08, 2022
Placeholder image
  • TLGBQIA+ Equality

ACLU-PA Statement in Response to Pa. Regulation Banning TLGBQIA+ Discrimination

HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania’s Independent Regulatory Review Commission today passed a new regulation from the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission defining sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
Issue Areas: TLGBQIA+ Equality
Press Release
Jan 24, 2022
ACLU-PA logo
  • TLGBQIA+ Equality

ACLU-PA Statement on Proposed Repeal of Chambersburg Nondiscrimination Ordinance

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - Tonight, the Chambersburg Town Council is scheduled to vote on repealing its nondiscrimination ordinance.
Issue Areas: TLGBQIA+ Equality