Wolf targets sexual harassment, discrimination

FRITZ MAYER
Posted 4/11/18

HARRISBURG, PA — Gov. Tom Wolf has announced legislation that would make protections against sexual harassment and discrimination stronger and give new legal options to victims of harassment. …

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Wolf targets sexual harassment, discrimination

Posted

HARRISBURG, PA — Gov. Tom Wolf has announced legislation that would make protections against sexual harassment and discrimination stronger and give new legal options to victims of harassment.

Wolf said, “No one should ever be the victim of workplace discrimination or sexual harassment—and we cannot, and will not, accept this behavior as normal or acceptable. So many victims have come forward and their bravery should continue to change our country, our workplaces, and our culture for the better. These reforms will build on that change to support our employees and create safe workplaces across the commonwealth.”

The proposals include banning the settlement of harassment and discrimination lawsuits with non-disclosure agreements, unless the victim agrees to one.

Under the proposed legislation, all employees would be protected, not just those who work for an employer with at least four employees, as is currently the case.

One proposal calls for extending the time period during which victims may come forward and file a complaint. The time period now is 180 days; legislation proposed in the House and Senate would lengthen the time to two years.

Wolf is also calling for state lawmakers to pass the PA Fairness Act, which would prohibit discrimination based on a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, a bill that is sponsored by Rep. Dan Frankel.

Frankel said, “I appreciate Gov. Wolf’s continued strong support for including LGBT Pennsylvanians in the protections of our state law. Many Pennsylvanians are stunned when they learn state or federal law doesn’t already protect LGBT people in the workplace, in housing and public accommodations such as being able to eat in a restaurant or to get a hotel room like everyone else.

“Polls have shown consistent 70% support for this in Pennsylvania for eight years, and it’s the right thing to do. It has bipartisan support in the legislature, and there should be hearings and votes on it.”

Allison Van Kuiken, Pennsylvania manager of the human rights campaign, said, “We welcome these renewed calls to pass the PA Fairness Act, but Gov. Wolf and the bill’s cosponsors cannot drive progress alone. For too long, lawmakers in the General Assembly have refused to take action to protect the thousands of LGBTQ Pennsylvanians at risk of losing their jobs or being denied services simply because of who they are.”

She said Pennsylvania voters in November will punish lawmakers who fail to support the act.

harrisburg

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