So far, two people have applied to serve on the township’s Human Relations Commission. Township officials plan to do additional outreach for more applicants via the township’s website and social-media platforms, said township manager Carolyn McCreary.
Montgomery Township Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Tanya C. Bamford said the board wanted to reassure constituents that Montgomery Township is a safe community. “We wanted to pass the ordinance not only to create this local outlet for our constituents, but to also signal to the marginalized communities that we value and respect them,” Bamford told PGN. “We want to make sure that in today’s environment — which is fraught with a lot of tension — they understand their rights will be protected here in the township.”
Bamford encouraged residents or business owners within the township who have an interest in serving on the township’s Human Relations Commission to email a statement of interest to [email protected].
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Bamford added: “We’re hoping the Human Relations Commission — once they receive their training — will do some educational outreach for local businesses and groups who are seeking more information about this critical issue.”
Whitpain Township is situated about 15 miles north of Philadelphia. It’s one of the oldest townships in Montgomery County, with about 19,000 residents. Its board of supervisors is controlled by Democrats. Aetna, Unisys and Montgomery County Community College are located within the township. Members of its new Human Relations Commission were announced on Jan. 4. The new members are Faith Williams-Hightower, Shannon Cunningham, Alissa Carpenter and Scott Badami.
“We’re very pleased [with the new members],” said township manager Roman Pronczak. “The supervisors are very confident that these people will carry out the mission that was intended when the Human Relations Commission was created.”
Richard R. Buttacavoli, founder of the Montgomery County LGBT Business Council, said the three townships’ actions will encourage local LGBT entrepreneurs and large corporate entities to set up shop in these areas because their customers and employees are protected — especially Montgomery Township, home to the Montgomery Mall and the Routes 202 and 309 business corridor.
“It’s one of the largest commercial areas in our county,” Buttacavoli told PGN. “LGBT people live and commute to work there. Now they’re protected along with folks in Upper Gwynedd, Whitpain, and twenty five other municipalities in Montco. We commend area leadership for doing this and are very proud Montgomery County leads the state in passing these ordinances.”
Chad Dion Lassiter, executive director of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, also praised the townships. “These ordinances are pivotal and certainly a move in the right direction on so many levels and are supported by the PHRC,” Lassiter said in an email. “Historically, there have been lots of social justice and change efforts that have not received fanfare. But nothing can stop a movement towards ultimate justice for all. We remain concerned with all forms of bias that occur throughout the Commonwealth. But we are pleased with these outcomes and commend all three townships.”
Jason Landau Goodman, executive director of Pennsylvania Youth Congress, echoed Lassiter’s remarks. “As a queer person from Montgomery County, I’m immensely proud of our municipal governments for pushing forward,” Goodman said in an email. “Ten years ago last month, I helped lead the successful campaign for the first ordinance in Montgomery County, in my home community of Lower Merion. With at least 25 ordinances now across our county, a majority of our population has explicit protections on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation. It’s beyond time for the [Pennsylvania] General Assembly to take action.”
Tim Cwiek is a reporter for the Philadelphia Gay News, where this story first appeared.
