WILKES-BARRE, PA — Opponents of Luzerne County's newly passed Anti-Discrimination Ordinance submitted 15,395 voter signatures on Monday, triggering a rare Home Rule Charter referendum process to challenge the law.
The submission marks the first time in 14 years that residents have utilized the county charter’s referendum provision, which allows citizens to petition for the repeal of municipal ordinances. The petition effort far exceeded the required 11,615-signature threshold.
Former County Controller Walter Griffith, who led the petition committee, cited the milestone as a pivotal moment for voter representation under the county's home rule structure.
The submission sets off a strict timeline under county charter rules:
- Signature Verification: County officials have up to 20 days to review and validate the signatures.
- Council Window: Once validated, the Luzerne County Council will have 30 days to decide whether to voluntarily repeal the ordinance on its own.
- Voter Referendum: If Council declines to repeal the measure within the 30-day window, the ordinance will be placed on the ballot for voters to decide during the 2027 primary election.
The referendum process automatically stays the execution of the ordinance, keeping it from taking effect unless approved by a majority of county voters at the polls.
