Measure adopted to protect LGBT

Saying it was “just the right thing to do,” Mt. Lebanon commissioners on Tuesday unanimously passed a new ordinance protecting the rights of the LGBT community.

Similar to one enacted eight years ago in Allegheny County, the measure creates an equal opportunity board to hear and adjudicate complaints of discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation and other factors in employment, housing and public accommodations.

Currently, there are no state or federal laws protecting the rights of the LGBT community, although about 40 other municipalities and governments have passed their own ordinances.

“The fact that Mt. Lebanon is ahead of the state is something we can be proud of,” said Pete DiNardo, a history teacher at Mt. Lebanon High School.

The ordinance calls for a fivemember board to accept complaints —- which must be made within 180 days after the alleged discrimination — and to either investigate and possibly award damages or to pass the complaint onto the state Human Relations Commission for action.

It calls for escalating fines of up to $50,000 for those found to repeatedly violate the ordinance, along with possible arbitration.

“I’m very excited to see this ordinance has come to a vote,” resident Rachel Butler-Pardi said. “This started last year at the Unity Rally ,” said commission Chairman Dave Brumfield. “Don’t ever think the peopleof Mt. Lebanon have hate in their hearts. We’re here to protect you. If you’re a resident in this town, you’re here and you’re included. My own daughter is a lesbian. This might be my happiest vote in eightyears here.”

“I’m very, very proud as a commissioner to see this,” said Commissioner Kelly Fraasch, who introduced the ordinance. “Fundamentally, it’s just the right thing to do,” said Commissioner John Bendel.

The ordinance will take effect once a workshare agreement with the state is ironed out, detailing which cases fall under state or local jurisdiction, said municipal manager Keith McGill.