The struggle of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) people for full equality is one of this generation’s most important and galvanizing civil rights movements. Despite the many advances that have been made, however, LGBTQIA+ people continue to face discrimination in many areas of life.
Neither Pennsylvania law nor federal statutes specifically prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. However, federal courts and some federal agencies have recognized discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people as a form of gender or sex discrimination. Additionally, in August 2018, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission - the government agency that enforces the commonwealth's nondiscrimination law - announced that it accepts complaints of discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people in employment, housing, and public accommodations as a form of sex discrimination.
Finally, more than 40 local governments in Pennsylvania have ordinances prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
