After hearing extensive comments from local citizens who supported it, the Gettysburg Borough Council voted unanimously on Monday February 10 to prepare a local anti-discrimination ordinance. If passed, the ordinance would guarantee equal protection on the basis of sexual orientation.
The council had been reminded in prior meetings that neither federal or state law provide such protections, and that 58 Pennsylvania municipalities have already created such ordinances.
The citizen speakers recounted instances of bullying and prejudice they had personally experienced and noted the cultural and economic benefits that an ordinance would likely bring.
Former Gettysburg College President Janet Riggs said the college has had a non-discrimination statement that included sexual orientation for nearly thirty years and that passage of a similar ordinance in the borough would “be really important and send a tremendous message to students and to prospective employees … as they think about if they want to stay.”
“If we want to attract young people to this community … and if we want to keep young people in this community … this is a really important thing for the borough to do,” said Riggs.
Riggs noted that Gettysburg is “the site of the most iconic speech ever given on equality and justice. This statement is simply about equality and justice. It’s the right thing to do,” said Riggs.
Jane Hyde, President of Gettysburg Hospital, said the hospital has also had a nondiscrimination policy that includes sexual orientation for many years and noted “many communities, including York, have taken action to protect individuals from discrimination. Inclusion fosters a space that allows people in a community to be who they are.”
Hyde said prejudice on the basis of gender identity can create ridicule, fear, bullying, and loneliness and creates a “significant emotional burden that fosters health disparities.”
Jeffrey Gabel, Founding Executive Director of the Majestic Theater, said the ordinance would be “good for business. We need to be sure all of our visitors and performers feel safe.”
Before the vote councilmember Wesley Heyser said he would be voting for the ordinance to “push things forward” and come to an “expeditious conclusion.” Heyser said he was concerned with “insuring we do comply with all of the statutory authority that we are given or not given within the commonwealth of PA. I do have concerns. I do have reservations. We need a clear definition of the standard,” said Heyser.
Heyser noted that anti-discrimination codes are changing rapidly and that the resolution should include “any right codified within the Pennsylvania or U.S. Constitutions.”
Heyser expressed concern that many people in the county do not understand the issues that are involved. Gettysburg Solicitor Harry Eastman said “it is our job to create something that is understandable.”
Councilmember Berger thanked the people who had addressed the council in favor of the ordinance saying “public input has gone a long way for me to support the anti-discrimination ordinance.”
The large audience erupted with loud applause after the vote.
Councilmember John Lawver reminded the council “there are a lot of costs” to ordinances. Borough Manager Charles Gable said the costs of ordinances vary depending on administrative costs and publication fees but the ordinance would be able to fit into the borough’s budget.
Gable said the council would work from a draft ordinance from another municipality as they begin to discuss the proposal at the Jan 24th work session.
2020 Memorial Day Parade Funded
The council passed a resolution funding this year’s Memorial Day Parade. The parade has become more expensive to host given increased security costs.
The council accepted the flat rate of $1500 for the 2020 parade and also settled the 2019 bill for $1500.
The council agreed they would need to work to find event sponsors for the parade going forward.
The parade route is still to be determined.
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.