Two public school districts and several parents in Pennsylvania have filed a lawsuit to undo antidiscrimination protections for gay and transgender individuals. The lawsuit argues that the state’s regulation goes beyond what lawmakers intended or allowed. The plaintiffs are seeking to prevent the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission from investigating discrimination complaints related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. They also aim to bar transgender student athletes from competing in women’s high school sports in Pennsylvania. The lawsuit, filed in Commonwealth Court, names Governor Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission as defendants. The plaintiffs argue that the commission exceeded its authority by expanding the definition of sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity. While Democratic lawmakers have tried to change the law to include protections for LGBTQ individuals, Republican lawmakers have consistently blocked such efforts. The Human Rights Campaign reports that most states have laws against discriminating against gay or transgender people, and investigate such complaints. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for LGBTQ individuals in Pennsylvania. Governor Shapiro has previously criticized legislation that prohibits transgender athletes from playing women’s sports as “cruel.”
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