News

June 10, 2010

Sexual orientation bill advances in Pa.

MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press Writer

HARRISBURG — A bill to extend anti-discrimination protections to include sexual orientation passed a Pennsylvania House committee on a party-line basis Wednesday.

Democratic supporters hailed it as a necessary step to end bias in housing, employment, credit or public accommodations, while Republican opponents said it would infringe on religious beliefs and was being pushed through too quickly.

“I am concerned that in protecting the rights of one group of citizens, we could be taking away the rights of another group,” said Rep. Marguerite Quinn, R-Bucks.

The committee defeated an amendment from Quinn that would have exempted religious schools and day care centers from altering their hiring practices based on the law. All 12 Democrats on the Government Committee voted for the bill, and all 11 Republicans were opposed.

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