What is a local Human Relations Commission Ordinance?
· It is law that mirrors the PA Human Relations Commission anti-discrimination ordinance and adds protected classes of marital status, familial status, genetic testing, gender identity or expression and sexual orientation (which are not covered in the State law).
· It is a law that mainly uses mediation between parties and education to try to resolve and prevent situations involving discrimination.
o If mediation doesn’t work and investigation is needed, cases are sent to the State Human Relations Commission (unless the complaint is brought by an individual who is not protected by State law).
o If the complaint is brought by an individual who is not protected by State law, the local Human Relations Commission could do an investigation and handle the case until the end.
· The law covers housing, employment and public accommodations (e.g. transportation, buildings, hotels, restaurants, stores, education).
· The law does not include private clubs or religious organizations that do not accept public funds.
Why have a local law?
· To prevent discrimination by providing education to the community about prohibited conduct and about the function of the Human Relations Commission.
· To protect our citizens from discrimination, especially those not protected by State law.
· To create a process that is faster than the current State process. (State is backed up with cases.)
· To create a process that is cheaper than the current State process (because the local Human Relations Commission mainly uses mediation to resolve cases which is cheaper than litigation and because citizens do not have to travel out of the community, take time from work, etc. to engage in mediation)
· It can be less tense to handle issues locally because the local Human Relations Commission would understand our local culture, leaders, businesses, etc.
· A local Human Relations Commission draws businesses to our community because they view us as more welcoming
What else do I need to know?
· There are 22 localities in PA with their own Human Relations Commission ordinances including Lower Merion and Haverford in Montgomery County. Other localities in Montgomery County are currently working on passing laws. We do not want to fall behind as a major positive quality about Cheltenham Township is our diversity and progressiveness.
· This ordinance is close to zero cost. The local Human Relations Commission is staffed by volunteers and receives free training from the State Human Relations Commission.
