Lower Merion Nondiscrimination Ordinance
Lower Merion Township Code §§ Chapter 93
Adopted: December 8, 2010
History
Local advocates began organizing for this ordinance in the fall of 2008. Commissioner George Manos, then Chair of the Human Resources Committee, helped lead the ordinance through his committee. In 2009, advocates formed an independent organization known as Equality Lower Merion. The group met regularly to discuss outreach for the ordinance. Members of Equality Lower Merion regularly testified before the Board of Commissioners and spoke at local civic associations and community groups to gather support.
After the first draft, which was provided to the Commissioners by Equality Lower Merion, Commissioners Bruce Reed, Phil Rosenzweig, and Brian Gordon formed a subcommittee to draft a tailor-made version for Lower Merion. In the over 10 opportunities for public comment on this ordinance, there was only one resident who spoke against the measure, who read a letter from a friend against the measure on the night of its adoption – all other residents who spoke supported its passage. The working group of commissioners produced the ordinance in late 2010. At the December 2010 Regular Board of Commissioners Meeting the nondiscrimination ordinance was unanimously adopted 13 – 0 (Commissioner Gould was absent).
In the News
First Draft of Lower Merion’s LGBT Anti-Discrimination Law Now Available for Public Review
The Ardmore-Merion-Wynnewood Patch (September 10, 2010)
Complex path to passing LM’s non-discrimination ordinance
The Main Line Times (September 17, 2010)
LM non-discrimination ordinance takes next step
The Main Line Times (November 4, 2010)
LM becomes 18th municipality in Pa. to ban discrimination
The Main Line Times (December 8, 2010)
Lower Merion Township Passes Ordinance Part 1 Part 2
Amplify Your Voice (December 8, 2010)
Lower Merion bans LGBT discrimination
The Philadelphia Gay News (December 16, 2010)
State Reps. Tim Briggs and Mike Gerber: LM anti-discrimination ordinance great step, much work to be done
Press Statement (January 2011)