The State College Borough Council will formally consider an employment ordinance that would protect sexual orientation, gender identity, marital and familial status in the near future.
Currently, there are 14 municipalities in Pennsylvania that have expanded similar ordinances for the protection of employment rights.
The issue is also under consideration at the state level.
However, no such ordinances exist in Centre County.
Representatives from local organizations stood before the council April 23 asking that State College set an example for other municipalities across the state.
Terrell Jones, chairman for the Centre County Advisory Council to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, assured council members that an expansion of the existing regulations would set a positive example across the state.
"We believe it is time for us in State College to be as inclusive as we possibly can in our ordinance here in the community," he said.
Joanne Tosti-Vasey, president of Pennsylvania's National Organization for Women (NOW) also urged the council to expand the current ordinance to family issues, which are currently only protected for federal employees.
"At the local level, people will have closer access to having their rights protected," Tosti-Vasey said.
Concerned community members also shared their personal experiences with discrimination in the area.
One transsexual woman, who identifies as a lesbian but wished not to reveal her name, said she was particularly affected by harassment within the community.
"I frankly fear for my safety and find myself not going to public places on occasion," she said.
Other citizens came forward to request that legal action be taken to protect against discrimination.
"I have been discriminated against because I am a lesbian, and it's one of the hardest things I've had to go through in my life," said Connie Matthews, a State College resident. "Having a law on the books is a proactive stand, and it sends a message to people that this is not OK."
After reviewing legislation, the council will be presented with a formal ordinance for vote within the next month.
