New LGBTQ+ advocacy group Fairness Pennsylvania launches

HARRISBURG -- Organizers, advocates, and legislators from across the state stood shoulder to shoulder at the state Capitol Monday to launch Fairness Pennsylvania (FPA), the Commonwealth’s first full-time statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights in several years.

“We are ready to hit the ground running,” said Sarah Hammond, Fairness PA’s State Director. “There are so many engaged activists and strong voices working right now in communities across the state. Our first priority is to identify ways that a new, statewide organization can assist these dedicated activists to move the needle here in Harrisburg and around the state.

“Pennsylvania is a big, diverse state and we are very fortunate that we have a strong foundation to build on,” Hammond said. “FPA is dedicated to promoting equality and fostering nondiscrimination principles in PA so that our LGBTQ+ community can be open, honest, and safe at home, at work, and in our communities across the state.”

In a statement, Governor Josh Shapiro said, “The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was founded on the ideals of tolerance and understanding and I’m proud to stand alongside Fairness PA as they work to promote those values and build a better, stronger Commonwealth for all.”

“No matter what you look like, where you come from, who you love, or who you pray to, you deserve equal protection under the law in Pennsylvania – and that’s why, in my budget address earlier this year, I called on the General Assembly to finally come together and pass the Fairness Act.” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “It’s long past time we put partisanship aside and pass a nondiscrimination law that protects LGBTQ Pennsylvanians.”

Hammond said that an immediate priority for Fairness PA would be passage of the Fairness Act, which would ban discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations in the state. The Fairness Act passed in state House in April 2023 but has yet to be considered in the state Senate.

Hammond was joined at the news conference by Nat Yap and elise michaux, the respective Chairs of Fairness Pennsylvania and Fairness Pennsylvania Institute. The Institute is a 501(c)(3) organization that will serve as the public education arm of the advocacy group.

Representatives Malcolm Kenyatta and Jess Benham, Co-Chairs of the LGBT Caucus and State Senator Lindsey Williams spoke at the kickoff.

Fairness Pennsylvania can be found online at fairnesspenn.org or @FairnessPA on social media.

For more information, please visit Fairness PA or contact Pete Shelly at pshelly@clearpointpa.com.