Ingrained Gay Discrimination in Pennsylvania } Riots on PENN State
Being gay, for the most part, flies under the radar. There will be occasional slurs and escalating violence, but day-to-day life for the gay community is not that different from anyone else. People who identify as gay, like those who do not, go to work every day and come home; however, there is a largely unspoken hole in that equation for gay people. In 70% of the state of Pennsylvania, gays can be legally terminated from their job or evicted from their home solely based on sexual orientation. Allowing this legislature to remain unchanged not only poses a threat to gay people, but demonstrates to everyone else that it is okay to do so.
There is no national standard for demonstrating workplace equality. Cities and states make the decision individually, as do specific employers. Pennsylvania is the only state in the northeast that does not follow a statewide ordinance of employment discrimination based on sexuality, while five states in the region include gender identity and expression to be protected.
Going to work or living in an apartment behind closed doors has no impact on religion, which is one of the biggest roadblocks LGBT rights face. Sexual orientation is not considered a suspect class; therefore, it receives no federal support from alleged discrimination. Despite the apparent confusion, paychecks and rent payments from gay individuals have the same currency value as their non-gay equivalents. There is no “Operation Ruin the Sanctity of Marriage” tax deduction fund. Ignoring such a blatant form of prejudice is surprising during a time when gays can now openly serve in the military, which seemed like a distant possibility. A lack of awareness on a local level can attribute to what has allowed the practice to continue.
Ted Martin, the Executive Director of Equality Pennsylvania said, “Let’s face it, holding a job or having a roof over your head are pretty basic and fundamental to our way of life.” It can be assumed that the “our” in his statement refers to people. Being gay isn’t new, but achieving the basic rights that should encompass everyone needs work. Public groups are prevalent in motivating young adults to vote in favor of legislature promoting equality, but it’s usually the more well-known topics. Local groups, even in-the-know young adults, can inform others about local issues not included by mass media.
Bullied gay youth has become as debated as marriage rights, possibly even more so. When a child or teenager takes his or her own life because of the ridicule they face from peers, there is public outcry for change. The rest are told it gets better. Allowing employers to fire workers or prohibit tenants from living spaces is not an example of anything getting better; it’s a continuation of the bullying. Working toward equal rights seems low on the totem pole when a general anti-bullying law cannot be presented to Congress because it may promote “pro-gay propaganda.” There are no pamphlets, recordings or informative rules designed to make heterosexual people gay.
President Obama has appointed several openly gay individuals as Cabinet members, including agency heads and officials. This example is likely lost on those opposing anti-discrimination laws. Openly gay individuals have been elected to serve in state supreme courts. The repeal of DADT allows gays and lesbians to serve freely in the United States military. A marine recruiter visited a gay community center in Oklahoma to answer questions and recruit individuals specifically from LGBT prospects. The men and women fighting for U.S. citizens, which includes those in Pennsylvania opposing equality, can safely keep their jobs while some in Pennsylvania cannot.
According to the Washington Blade, President Obama supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would end discrimination based on sexual orientation; however, it is largely unheard of, and the bill did not pass through Congress. The Blade reports that the bill is unlikely to pass while Republicans remain in control of the House. This policy doesn’t need federal endorsement. Enough attention to the issue can lead to change in any municipality. Contacting a local senator and focusing on local elections can change antiquated precedents without requiring national approval.
Sam Hassman originally posted his opinion at keystoneonline.com
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