The culture wars are alive and well in our neighborhood. In fact, I would suggest they have taken on a new urgency. A small borough, tucked away in South central Pennsylvania, just voted to revoke an LGBTQ inclusive law. The Republican dominated Chambersburg borough council voted 7-3 to repeal protections from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and ethnicity. Those in support of repealing the ordinance referenced unnecessary and perhaps unfair "special protections" for this group. It rings of the past association of "gay rights" with "special rights".
The latest fight to score political points and divide our society targets LGBTQ people.
But what protections do LGBTQ people actually have in the United States in 2022? What protections do they have in the state of Pennsylvania? A great resource for finding more information on existing protections can be found on the M.A.P. (Movement Advancement Project) website available here.
The data shows us that Pennsylvania, an "at will employer state" only receives a grade of "fair". Pennsylvania can also be compared with other states in the United States available here. As noted in the M.A.P methodology, this grade only grades on existing legislation (which will be lower since Chambersburg repealed their protections) and not the actual climate or how LGBTQ people are treated.
It is truly unfortunate that some of the most vulnerable within our society are being targeted and set up for further discrimination not less.
So perhaps Chambersburg new sign should read, Chambersburg Welcomes You....Unless you are LGBTQ....
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