Dormont approves anti-discrimination ordinance

Dormont Council on Monday unanimously passed an ordinance that prohibits discrimination as well as creates a Dormont human relations commission.

“Pennsylvania is the only state in the Northeast that does not have explicit statewide LBGTQ nondiscrimination by law which is a gap in protections,” said council member Joanna Bouldin, who added the ordinance makes it illegal to discriminate against anyone in housing, employment and public accommodations like restaurants, theaters and shops.

“It would expand protections for many Dormont residents, especially our LGBTQ friends and neighbors,” Ms. Bouldin said.

The ordinance also creates a local human relations commission that will be made up of Dormont residents.

“This would be a committee that not only would receive and mediate complaints, but equally important, would be devoted to educating residents, landlords and business owners about their rights and how to prevent discrimination in the first place,” Ms. Bouldin said.

Dormont solicitor John Rushford said it was important to note that the ordinance received letters of support from both the Allegheny County Human Relations Commission and the state Human Relations Commission.

“It’s not often that we get that kind of support. It just further underscores the importance of having this kind of advocacy in Dormont,” Mr. Rushford said.

Resident Paul Sinnett said the ordinance was personal for him. He said he and his husband purchased a home in Dormont in 2015.

“I just feel honored to speak again in support of this. For me, the most important thing is there’s a local body — there’s a local person, someone who’s more attainable — to be able to go to when you feel that you’ve been wronged,” Mr. Sinnett said.

Resident Valerie Rodgers said the most important part of the ordinance is the education aspect of it.

“Being in a mixed relationship for 20 years has been very enlightening to me about how people are affected by this that other people don’t see,” Ms. Rodgers said. “I think it’s very important that unprotected classes have the protection or have some type of body or some way to feel like someone is seeing them,” she said.

Jessica McGinnis, a trans woman, added, “I’m just so happy about this. This is something I’ve been wanting to see and it just makes me feel like this is my home.”

The ordinance prohibits discrimination in housing, commercial property, employment and public accommodations based upon actual or perceived race, color, national origin, immigration status, ancestry, religious creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran’s status, marital status, familiar status, genetic information, handicap or disability or use of an assistance animal.