Philadelphia City Council Passes LGBT Equality Bill

First in the Nation!

Bill 130224 passed with a 14-3 vote on April 25, 2013.  It not only gives a tax credit incentive to private businesses that offered employee health plans, including surgery that would include same-sex partners and children, but also a substantial benefits to the transgender community as well. The bill was sponsored by City Councilman Jim Kenney and opposed by Democrat Councilman-at-Large Bill Green who had concerns about the fiscal issues.  Republican Councilmen-at-Large David Oh and Brian O’Neill also voted against the bill.

What the Bill Permits: Landmark Benefits for Transgender Community

The bill would revamp the city’s health-care plan to ban discrimination against non-union transgender city employees and would instate a Transgender Health Tax Credit that would encourage companies to offer transgender-specific health-insurance coverage to the transgender community. The legislation, expected to be signed into law by Mayor Michael Nutter, clarifies what constitutes employment discrimination in the city’s nondiscrimination law.  City buildings would also be required to provide gender-neutral bathrooms for the safety and comfort of its LGBT citizens.

Other Important Aspects of the Bill

This bill makes a series of revisions to the Philadelphia Code to provide for equality of treatment for all Philadelphians regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.  It makes city forms gender-neutral and makes it easier for transgender individuals to request name changes and gender markers on some records.  The existing provisions relating to Life Partnerships were expanded and revised.  It ensures that people who work in Philadelphia will be able to dress consistently with their gender identity.  Also, it bans healthcare discrimination against non-union transgender city employers.

Perfect Score for this Bill

The 2012 Municipal Equality Index gave Philadelphia a perfect score. It received a nationwide evaluation of the LGBT inclusiveness of municipal law and policy.  Philadelphia was one of eleven cities to receive 100 points on the MEI in 2012.

Pennsylvania’s first openly gay state legislator Brian Sims praised the Council for championing equality.