Lehigh County passes New non-discrimination law

February 15, 2025

After a three-year effort that included members of the Lehigh County Human Relations Committee and spearheaded by Keystone Equality President, Liz Bradbury, the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners passed the most inclusive non-discrimination ordinance in Pennsylvania. It now goes to Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong for signature.

This ordinance is profoundly different and offers significantly better protections than current Pennsylvania or Federal law as it includes specific protections in Employment, Housing, Public Accommodation, Healthcare and Education based on race; color; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; gender expression; ancestry; age ( 35 and over); national origin; religion; disability (or having a relations with someone with a disability; veteran status; having a GED rather than high school diploma; genetic information; pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions; and retaliation regarding filing a discrimination complaint

The Lehigh County Human Relations Ordinance also includes the term ‘Actual or Perceived’ for all classes in order to close the loophole that has allowed those discriminating or even perpetrating harassment or violence against members of protected classes to escape responsibility or conviction, by saying they were not guilty of discriminatory action because the person they discriminated against was not part of the minority the perpetrator thought the person was.

Furthermore, the term “Employer” in the Lehigh County Ordinance is defined as “any person or organization that employs one or more people who are not the employer’s spouse or children.” In contrast - State Law defines Employer as any person or organization employing 4 or more employees who are not the employer’s spouse or children. And Federal law defines an employer as a person or organization who employs 10 to 20 or more people (depending on the kind of business). As 51% of all Lehigh County businesses employ fewer than 5 employees, the means that thousands of more workers are now protected from discrimination.

The Ordinance also protects Independent Contractors and forbids employers from asking a job applicant what their salary is or was from any current or previous employment nor can an employer require a job applicant to disclose prior criminal convictions until after an initial interview.

Finally, the Ordinance provides for a Commission to receive, review, and adjudicate claims of discrimination. The Commission will be set up and running within 90 days of the Ordinance’s enactment.

If you would like to see a similar ordinance enacted in your county please contact Keystone Equality and we will be happy to consult with you.