Nearly a year after council members introduced the proposed county ordinance prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, Allegheny County Council approved the heavily debated law in an 8 – 6 vote on July 1, 2009. On July 6, 2009, the ordinance was signed into law by Chief Executive Dan Onorato.

The ordinance establishes a seven-member Human Relations Commission to investigate allegations of discrimination within the county. The Commission also will investigate claims of discrimination based on other protected categories covered by state law. Members will be appointed by the County Executive with approval from the County Council to serve four-year terms. Any person claiming to be aggrieved by an unlawful discriminatory practice may file a written verified complaint with the Commission within 180 days of the alleged act of discrimination. The Commission will investigate.

Please see full ASAP for more information.