HB 85
An Act amending the act of October 27, 1955 (P.L.744, No.222), known as the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, further providing for unlawful discriminatory practices; and providing for unlawful discriminatory practices against certain religions.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends Pennsylvania’s Human Relations Act to specifically address discriminatory practices against the Jewish faith. It incorporates the definition of ‘antisemitism’ established by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance and includes contemporary examples of antisemitism. The bill clarifies that criticism of Israel is not considered antisemitic in the same way as other country criticism.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘antisemitism’ using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition.
- Includes contemporary examples of antisemitism as part of the definition.
- States that criticism of Israel is not automatically considered antisemitic.
- Updates the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to include these provisions.
- Specifies that bona fide occupational qualifications and fraternal organization membership can be considered when assessing discrimination claims.
Who is affected
- Employers
- Employment agencies
- Labor organizations
- Individuals of the Jewish faith
- Pennsylvania residents
Notable changes
- Adds a specific section addressing unlawful discriminatory practices based on religious creed, particularly concerning the Jewish faith.
- Incorporates a defined term – ‘antisemitism’ – into the existing Human Relations Act.
- Clarifies that criticism of Israel is not inherently antisemitic.
Sponsors
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Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
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