Luzerne County Council passed a sweeping, county-wide anti-discrimination ordinance Tuesday night in a 7 to 4 vote, establishing legal protections backed by financial penalties. The ordinance, which officially takes effect in 90 days, defines discrimination as any exclusion, denial, intimidation, coercion, difference, or segregation of individuals belonging to a protected class. The newly expanded protections cover traditional categories such as race, sex, and disability, while also introducing safeguards for source of income, citizenship status, and other distinct classifications.
Cheers echoed through the courthouse gallery immediately following the roll call vote, though the decision came after intense debate. Proponents of the measure argued it is a vital step toward creating a more inclusive and welcoming community, while critics voiced concerns that the risk of the local law outweighs its rewards. Councilwoman Lee Ann McDermott voted against the measure, expressing serious concerns that the wording of the ordinance could inadvertently expose the county to costly legal challenges and potential lawsuits. To handle the administration of the new law, a separate ordinance will be presented to council in the coming weeks to formally establish a County-wide Human Relations Commission, which will be tasked with investigating and enforcing all future reports of local discrimination.
