Erie County Councilpersons Carl Anderson and Kim Clear Push for Equality Act Passage

On March 2, 2021 Erie County Council unanimously passed Resolution Number 8, sponsored by Councilman Carl Anderson and co-sponsored by Councilwoman Kim Clear, which urges Congress to pass the Equality Act. The Resolution was moved to adoption by Councilwoman Ellen Schauerman, seconded by Councilman Andre Horton, and passed 7-0.

The County has long championed personal freedom, tolerance, acceptance and equality under the law. Erie County was one of the first Counties in the State to include "sexual orientation" in its anti-discrimination Ordinance law passed by Erie County Council in 2001. Just three years ago the County also added "criminal history" and "gender identity" as protected classes in its Human Relations Commission local ordinance.

Erie County has now joined thousands of communities in demanding equal protection for the LGBTQIA+ community. The Equality Act, already passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, will soon come before the United States Senate.

Carl Anderson III, Council Chairman: "Our action speaks to the vigor and importance of this vital part of the Erie Community finally receiving equal protection under the law. All of us have spoken to constituents who have personally suffered intolerance or have family members who have been negatively impacted by people and institutions that seem to harbor animus towards them for no other reason but their sexual orientation or gender identity."

Kim Clear Vice Chairwomen: "This is such an important piece of legislation. As a teacher, I have seen so many kids that are suffering from the effects of intolerance. It is heartbreaking".

County Council has sent Resolution 8 to United States Senators Casey and Toomey; urging their support for the Equity Act or H.R. 5. The Act would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation, and for other purposes in public accommodations and federal policy. County Council Members Andre' R. Horton, Scott Rastetter, Ellen Schauerman, Brian Shank and Mary Rennie, joined Anderson and Clear in supporting the action.