Update: Carlisle approves anti-discrimination ordinance: Video
CARLISLE - After several months of often-heated debate, an anti-discrimination ordinance in Cumberland County's county seat has been approved.
Those in favor of it say Carlisle's Human Relations Ordinance was necessary to protect everybody from discrimination.
Opponents argued that such an ordinance is an overreach by local government and that it tramples upon religious freedoms.
Borough council voted 5-2 to approve the ordinance Thursday night.
State law already protects many classes of people from discriminatory practices, with those classes including race, religion, sex and disabilities. Carlisle's ordinance adds the classes of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
The ordinance prohibits discriminating against any of these protected classes in terms of housing, employment and the purchasing of goods and services. If someone perceives discrimination, they can file a complaint with a mediation board.
That board can work with the parties to come to a solution. If a complaint is not resolved through mediation, though, it is possible that the case could be referred to Cumberland County Court to assess penalties under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.
The meeting was packed with well over 200 people, many holding up signs with slogans like "Standing on the Side of Love" and "Equality 4 All." Many stood outside and could not get into the hearing room for the vote.
