The Gettysburg Borough Council moved closer this week to a final draft of a “Borough of Gettysburg Nondiscrimination and Human Relations Commission Ordinance” which will declare discriminatory acts on the basis of gender preference to be unlawful and create a volunteer commission to investigate and mediate potential violations.
Borough Solicitor Harold Eastman said many terms and guidelines in the proposed document were taken from language used by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. In drafting the ordinance, the council also extensively examined other similar documents that have been created by other state municipalities.
The ordinance prohibits behaviors of discrimination, retaliation, and coercive behaviors on the basis of sexual preference in public accommodations — publicly open spaces or businesses that offer services to the public.
The ordinance does not apply to religious organizations.
A five-member commission, each serving five-year terms will be created with a chairperson appointed by the council to mediate any complaints.
The commission, which will be made up of Gettysburg residents or individuals employed full time in the borough will attend training sessions and must not hold any other borough positions.
The commission is required to operate within the funding provided by the borough, and to maintain as close to zero costs as possible.
The ordinance specifies the procedures for filing complaints and acting on them.
No penalties or fines can be administered.
Information generated in the meetings will not be publicly available.
If the parties refuse mediation or if the or if the mediation is not successful, the matter would be sent to the Adams County Court of Common Pleas.
The council hopes to vote on the final version of the document this fall with the expectation it would go into effect on January 1, 2021.
Gettysburg resident Chad-Alan Carr who initially asked the borough to consider the ordinance thanked the borough and staff for their work on the non-discrimination ordinance. “I thank you all for this very important work you’re doing,” said Carr. “I’m impressed and pleased.”
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.