Local activists met in Erie to focus on pushing PA equality bills Feb 3

About a dozen Erie area people met with Shanea Leonard from Equality PA on February 3. Shanea is the new western Pennsylvania coordinator for Equality PA, which is a statewide organization focused on LGBT equality.

The meeting focused on working for the passage of House Bill 300 and Senate Bill 300, two pieces of legislation that would finally "ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression statewide in employment, housing, credit and public accommodations." Shanea introduced herself and explained some of her own background. Each person attending introduced themselves, and participants were asked to tell a little about themselves and what motivates them to work for LGBT equality.

Attendees included: Alex Sphon (NW PA Pride and PFLAG-Erie), Rex Apps (Community United Church), Mike Mahler (Erie Gay News, NW PA Pride and PFLAG Erie), Diana Ames (NW PA Pride, PFLAG Erie and Mental Health Association of NW PA), Kathy Czarnecki-Smith, Rev. Dr. Rich McCarty (GEAE), Deb Spilko (EGN), Joshua Szecsesny (Marriage Equality for PA), Jason Brendel, and Kelly Kidd (NW PA Pride).Alison M. Scarpitti, Esq. attended as legal counsel for GEAE.

Photos

Also view photos here.