Police: 2 arrested in al-Qaida linked Canada plot

Mary Ann Yatsko

First Posted: 5/28/2013 PITTSTON &#8212; City Council addressed discrimination on Tuesday night, passing an ordinance aimed at protecting the rights of homosexual, transgender and disabled residents.
Council did not refer to any specific problems of discrimination, but said that as the city updates its downtown, it also wants to update its policies, making it possible for all its residents to prosper.
The ordinance, drafted by city solicitor Sam Falcone, includes protection for &#8220;all persons, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation or expression, gender, familial status, and mental and physical disabilities.&#8221;
&#8220;Our administration is forward-thinking and progressive,&#8221; Falcone said.
Ted Martin, representing Equality Pennsylvania, said the ordinance was invaluable in the areas of housing and employment.
&#8220;Most people understand that everyone needs an income and a place to live,&#8221; said Martin, &#8220;but, quite frequently, landlords refuse to rent to people they perceive as different from them.&#8221;
Daniel Parry asked council to reject the ordinance, saying it would lead to discrimination against those who held Christian religious beliefs.
&#8220;The ordinance is unnecessary and problematic,&#8221; Parry said. &#8220;We are not presently denying any groups their civil rights.&#8221;
Rebekka Parry said as a parent of young children in Pittston, she was concerned about the city&#8217;s moral environment.
Similar ordinances have been passed in 30 other municipalities in Pennsylvania and, Martin said, they would protect 30 percent of the state&#8217;s residents.
Martin said he hoped the state also would pass legislation reinforcing the concept of equality and opportunity for its residents.

Pittston acts to prevent discrimination