After attaining marriage equality, Pa. still awaits law against LGBT bias

Gay-rights advocates are hoping the recent federal court ruling allowing same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania results in some momentum to bring about a statewide law against discrimination.Same-sex couples in Pennsylvania are now getting married in the commonwealth, or having their out-of-state marriage recognized.

But lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Pennsylvanians are still vulnerable to discrimination when looking for housing, finding work, and seeking public accommodations.

So, the federal judge’s ruling to recognize same-sex marriages isn’t the be all and end all for his organization, said Ted Martin, Equality PA director.

“There are some people who want to get married, and they should have that right,” he said Friday. “And now they have that right, but everyone wants to be protected from random discrimination.

Nearly three dozen municipalities have passed local ordinances prohibiting bias based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Martin said.

Two identical bills in the state House and Senate would create a statewide ban.

Both measures have stalled in committee for nearly a year, despite bipartisan backing, including support from Gov. Tom Corbett.