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The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission announced new regulations that more clearly define the terms “sex,” “religious creed,” and “race.” PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES
New regs take effect in Pa. for LGBTQ+, race, religion
Listen to this articleNew regulations more clearly explaining the definitions of “sex,” “religious creed,” and “race,” are now in effect, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) announced today.
According to the new regulations, the protected class of “sex” includes pregnancy status, childbirth status, breastfeeding status, sex assigned at birth, gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, and differences in sex development.
The PHRC’s final-form regulations were approved by the PA Office of Attorney General and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin in June 2023, following the Independent Regulatory Review Commission’s approval in 2022.
“Today represents an important day in the commonwealth,” PHRC Chair M. Joel Bolstein said in a release. “These regulations now more clearly state what was already a fact, all discrimination in Pennsylvania is illegal. The PHRC wants our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, and friends and neighbors to know that Pennsylvania is a safe, accepting, and welcoming place for you and everyone. It has been a long journey to get here, and I am proud of the hard work and dedication of the PHRC staff.”
Under the new regulations, the protected class “race” includes traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles. The regulations also more clearly define “religious creed” to include all aspects of religious observance and practice, along with belief.
“Too often we hear of cases where people are discriminated against because of who they love, what religion they practice, what they look like, or how they wear their hair,” said PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter. “The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission protects all commonwealth citizens from any form of discrimination and these regulations affirm that commitment. Our team worked hard to put together these regulations and we are pleased they are now effective.”
