Whitpain Township officials passed a resolution confirming their support of LGBTQ equality measures in the Pennsylvania Legislature on March 18, stating that they are in favor of any action or legislation “to ensure that all persons, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, enjoy the full benefits of citizenship and are afforded equal opportunities for employment, housing, public and private contracts and the use of public accommodations.”
The resolution was first discussed at a February 18th meeting, when Supervisor Ken Wollman proposed that the township pass an LGBTQ inclusive non-discrimination ordinance. The Times Herald reported that fellow board members were supportive of LGBTQ equality measures, but felt that the issue was best left up to the state government. The board’s operations committee then began drafting the resolution to urge the state government to take action.
Whitpain is located within Montgomery County, in close proximity to Norristown. Montgomery County officials announced in March of 2013 that they are currently exploring the possibility of passing a county-wide LGBTQ inclusive non-discrimination ordinance.
Had Whitpain passed an LGBTQ inclusive non-discrimination ordinance, it would have been the 34th municipality in the state to do so. A non-discrimination ordinance was passed in Downingtown on Wednesday, March 19, making it the 33rd municipality in the state to protect LGBTQ citizens in employment, housing, and public accommodations.