Supporters rally in Harrisburg for sexual orientation non-discrimination law
Wednesday, March 18th, 2009
By: Scott Detrow
Supporters of a measure to ban discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Pennsylvania residents packed the state Capitol yesterday to show support for the measure.
Transcript:
Now that the equal rights bill is in front of the full House, advocates say they're optimistic it can be signed into law before the year is out. Supporters lined the Rotunda steps and cheered as lawmakers made the case that Pennsylvania is behind the times, when it comes to guaranteeing equal rights based on sexual preference.
Sponsor Dan Frankel, an Allegheny County Democrat, dismissed opponents of the measure, noting 20 states have already passed similar legislation.
Frankel: "The sky will not fall. The world will not end if we stop discriminating against gay, lesbian bisexual and transgendered people. It will not happen."
Opponents say the bill would force some religious groups to hire gay employees against their will. A spokesman for House Majority Leader Todd Eachus says there's no set time frame for bringing the measure to a vote.
Listen:
Click on the play button below or right click on this link and choose "Save Link As" to download.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.