Bill > HB2103

This bill amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to expand protections against discrimination by explicitly including "gender identity or expression" and "sexual orientation" as protected characteristics in employment, housing, and public accommodations, alongside existing protections for race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, national origin, and disability. It clarifies that employers cannot discriminate based on these characteristics and defines "sexual orientation" as an individual's attraction to others and "gender identity or expression" as one's gender-related identity or characteristics. The bill also adds provisions protecting religious exercise, ensuring that the act does not require individuals or religious entities to engage in conduct that substantially burdens their religious freedom without a compelling interest and the least restrictive means. Furthermore, it clarifies that employers can maintain reasonable dress and grooming standards, but must allow employees to adhere to standards consistent with their gender identity or expression. The bill also makes technical amendments and updates definitions and existing provisions to reflect these expanded protections.