The measures include efforts to protect LGBTQ community organizations from threats and releasing funds for new programs that will support the physical and mental health of LGBTQ youth.
The Pennsylvania House made history Tuesday after passing the Fairness Act. The LGBTQ non-discrimination bill now advances to the Senate, and Gov. Shapiro wants it on his desk as soon as possible.
The Fairness Act, which Democrats have been trying to advance for more than two decades, cleared a major hurdle Monday. A vote before the full House is expected Wednesday.
Legislation introduced this week by Rep. Stephanie Borowicz is similar to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, and is another legislative example of Republicans’ attempts to attack transgender youth.
The bill’s signing comes as Democrats and LGBTQ advocates have expressed growing fear over the possibility that the landmark 2015 Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges—which legalized gay marriage nationwide—could be overturned following the Court’s decision to strike down Roe v. Wade earlier this year.
The Respect for Marriage Act does not require states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, but it does require states that ban same-sex marriages to recognize these marriages as long as the marriage was valid in the state where it was performed.