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Everyone Deserves the Same Freedoms: Letter to the Editor

It is crucial for the Senate to approve the Equality Act, as it is currently legal for LGBT members to be denied service and access to everyday necessities such as employment, housing and public accommodations in 29 states.

Dear Editor, 

What good are we if we are not advocating for everyone to experience the same freedoms that every living human undeniably deserves?

Donovan Brady’s recent Op/Ed, “It’s Time for Change in the Name of Equality” is on point and furthers the discourse in the ongoing battle for the rights of LGBT individuals. At this time it is crucial for the Senate to approve the Equality Act, as it is currently legal for LGBT members to be denied service and access to everyday necessities such as employment, housing and public accommodations in 29 states.

Equal Equality Rights Freedom LGBTQ
Pennsylvania is one of 29 states in which it remains legal to discriminate against LGBTQ individuals. The proposed Equality Act–which has stalled in the United States Senate–would end that.

The Equality Act passed through the House on Feb. 25, however still relies on the passing through the Senate for it to be signed into law. This federal legislation would grant essential non-discrimination protections that states like Pennsylvania and several others have not provided for their citizens.

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According to a polling report released by PRRI (Public Religion Research Institute), “Majorities of all partisan groups favor LGBT nondiscrimination protections, but Democrats (85 percent) and independents (79 percent) are more likely than Republicans (62 percent) to favor protections.”

Given this data, Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) plays a vital role in moving this bill forward, as he has expressed his support for the LGBT community.

It is imperative that this common sense legislation get passed for the sake of the lives of LGBT community members. These individuals face what any human being would never want to experience in their daily lives. Let’s finally purify how LGBT members are treated across the nation.

Sarah Elhomsi

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Allentown

About letters to the editor

Letters to the editor should be about general topics of local interest and must be signed. Views expressed in letters and other opinions shared on Saucon Source are solely those of the author and should not be interpreted as representing the views of the publisher, advertisers and/or others affiliated with Saucon Source LLC. Letters may be submitted to josh@sauconsource.com for consideration.

Author
Josh Popichak

Josh Popichak is a veteran local journalist with an extensive background in print and digital news. A Bethlehem native, he has a Bachelor’s degree in history and has maintained a lifelong affinity for the subject. He founded Saucon Source to fill a need for independent local journalism, which has thrived with the support of an engaged, enthusiastic readership. He thanks the community, whose continued support makes this site possible.