Gender Identity Now Protected in Erie County

from Michael Mahler

On May 29, 2018, Erie County Council voted 7-0 to amend the Erie County Human Relations Commission ordinance to include gender identity, as well as criminal background and source of income. Sexual orientation has been included since March 8, 2002. The new policy went into effect immediately. This covers discrimination in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations.

The class of criminal background was actually the only controversial class to be added. The new policy says that "any consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job, lease or loan."

About the Author

Michael Mahler Michael Kenton Mahler (He/Him) has been the editor of Erie Gay News since it was founded in December 1992. He is also a founding member of NWPA Pride Alliance. He serves on the Governor's Commission for LGBTQ Affairs and is active with Aging with Pride and the Erie County HIV Task Force. He became the first LGBTQ person to be fully out in May 1992 when appearing on local TV coverage. Michael currently works as a software developer for Erie Custom Computer Applications.