The Board of Commissioners of Lower Merion, a suburb of Philadelphia, voted unanimously Wednesday night to approve an ordinance to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals from discrimination.
College senior Jason Goodman, a local resident of Lower Merion, spent the last year advocating for the passage of the law that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodations.
While a group of over 70 supporters were present at the meeting in support of the ordinance, a small group of about five people also appeared to oppose the new law.
“I’m overjoyed that my township commissioners came together to unanimously support such an important ordinance,” Goodman said.
Goodman, the founder of Equality Lower Merion, explained that his municipality was able to pass a “major milestone” for LGBT rights despite the fact that society is often “divided on LGBT rights.”
Goodman added that he hopes the new ordinance will “put pressure directly on Harrisburg and directly on Washington” to pass their own antidiscrimination laws.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.