Bill 5, which addresses discrimination in the private sector, passed 5 votes to 2.
While Bill 6, which addresses discrimination in the public sector, passed 7 to 0.
“People need to speak up in the city of Johnstown to show that we will not discriminate based on sex, race, origin, whatever the particulars may be. That our city, whether it be in the employment sector or the city itself, will not tolerate discrimination,” said Johnstown Mayor Frank Janakovic.
The bills prohibit discrimination based on race, religion or sex, but specifically add protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Currently, there are no statewide or local laws that include all the protections proposed in these bills.
Now if anyone feels targeted, they can take legal action by filing a complaint with the Johnstown Human Relations Commission, a new group that will be formed through Bill 5. The complaint could then go to the Court of Common Pleas, and if found guilty, the offender could be fined.
At Wednesday night’s meeting, a resolution was also passed to create another ordinance that deals specifically with hate crimes.
Local activist John DeBartola proposed these ordinances to the council. He said adopting these bills will help the community in many ways.
“When you have laws like these in place, it helps the economy. It improves the community. It creates an environment that fosters creation of jobs and hope. You need these things,” DeBartola said.
At the next city council meeting on March 8th, the bills will go to a final vote before they are adopted.