Rep. Brian Sims Lauds Pa. Governor's Support of LGBT Bill

State Representative Brian Sims, D-Phila, issued a statement on Wednesday, regarding the news that Governor Tom Corbett supports non-discrimination legislation that would protect LGBT people.

Sims is a co-sponsor of House Bill 300 which prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

"I have long believed that equality is not a one-party issue. We continue to see our elected officials in Pennsylvania coming out on the right side of history, and Governor Corbett is no exception to this trend. Last month, Senator Pat Toomey, also a conservative Republican, voted to advance the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) in the U.S. Senate, demonstrating to Americans across the country that support for LGBT civil rights and a conservative ideology are not mutually exclusive.

"To those conservative leaders in our government who have shied away from being vocal about non-discrimination legislation in Pennsylvania, I hope this is a green light to openly support non-discrimination legislation.

"I reiterate the call on Chairman Daryl Metcalfe, R-Butler, to give H.B. 300 hearings and a vote in the State Government Committee where the legislation has languished since its introduction. Millions of Pennsylvania LGBT citizens deserve as much when it comes to their right to freedom from fear of discrimination."