In a landmark move for LGBTQ+ rights, Fairness Pennsylvania, the state’s first dedicated LGBTQ+ lobbying group, officially launched last Monday, aligning with the start of Pride Month. This new organization is set to work closely with the Pennsylvania General Assembly to promote and safeguard LGBTQ+ rights through legislative efforts.
Promoting LGBTQ+ Rights Through Legislation
Fairness Pennsylvania is on a mission to collaborate with lawmakers to craft and support bills that advance the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. Their priorities include simplifying the legal name change process for transgender people and ensuring fair participation in sports for those transitioning from male to female.
Sarah Hammond, the state director of Fairness Pennsylvania, emphasized the group’s objectives, stating: “Fairness PA will provide an opportunity for everyone to understand the challenges faced by our LGBTQ+ friends, family, and colleagues, while actively promoting non-discrimination throughout Pennsylvania.”
The Fairness Act: A Key Focus
A primary goal for Fairness Pennsylvania is the passage of the Fairness Act. This proposed legislation aims to amend the Human Relations Act to include protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression.
Although the bill has cleared the state House, it has been stuck in the Senate State Government Committee since May 2023.
Sen. Cris Dush, R-Elk, the committee chair, has not responded to requests for comment, reflecting the hurdles still facing LGBTQ+ rights in the state’s legislative process.
Facing Opposition and Challenges
Efforts to advance LGBTQ+ equality are met with significant resistance, particularly around the issue of transgender girls participating in girls’ sports.
Some lawmakers argue that allowing trans girls to compete with cisgender girls is unfair. In support of the 2022 Senate bill to ban trans girls from these sports, Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Franklin, said, “I stand on the side of the lady athletes. I stand on the side of science.”
Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-Allegheny, who serves as the minority chair of the Senate Education Committee, has been present during intense debates on such issues.
She has heard hours of divisive rhetoric and pointed out the severe mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth. “It’s well known that LGBTQ+ youth are at higher risk for depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide,” Williams noted. “Yet, those supporting these discriminatory bills seem indifferent to their plight.”
The Urgency of Fairness Pennsylvania’s Work
The launch of Fairness Pennsylvania comes at a crucial time as LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly young people, continue to face significant discrimination and mental health challenges.
The Trevor Project reports that LGBTQ+ individuals are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their non-LGBTQ+ peers, highlighting the critical need for supportive legislation and advocacy.
Fairness Pennsylvania aims to be a powerful advocate for the state’s LGBTQ+ community, striving to ensure that everyone in Pennsylvania is treated with dignity and respect under the law.