EASTON, Pa.- An ordinance that would extend non-discrimination protections to many more people in Northampton County goes under the microscope this week.

On Thursday, Northampton County Council will hold a public hearing and possible vote on the ordinance, which was introduced at council’s meeting on March 5 by Commissioner Jason Boulette.

The 34-page document can be viewed here.

The ordinance would make it illegal in Northampton County to discriminate in employment, housing, health care, education, and public accommodations based on protected classes including race, religion, sex, veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and domestic violence victim status. 

Also, a human relations commission would be established to investigate allegations of discrimination. 

Boulette, a Democrat, was elected to an at-large seat on council last year and took his spot on the dais in January. He told 69 News, the seed for crafting the ordinance was planted while he was on the campaign trail, speaking with voters.

“This was something that came up, that we don’t have discrimination protections for a lot of folks here in the county, and people are at risk of losing their jobs, losing their home, losing their education,” said Boulette.

Pennsylvania’s Human Relations Act (PHRA), which covers discrimination in employment, housing, commercial property, education, and public accommodations, was passed in 1955. It’s been updated and expanded since then, including adding “sex” as a protected class in 1969; prohibiting discrimination because of a handicap or disability in 1974; and broadening job protections for older Pennsylvanians in 1982.

The most recent amendment was made last year with passage of the CROWN Act, which ensures protections against discrimination based on hair texture, type, or style.

But the state’s protections are still lacking, Boulette said: “It leaves a lot of gaps that are just not covered, in terms of the people that are protected, in terms of the way the modern economy works.”

For example, the current state law does not protect gig workers, veterans, or members of the LGBTQ community.

Also, Pennsylvania’s human relations commission, which investigates discrimination complaints, has a backlog of some 1,700 cases, Boulette said. “So if someone filed a claim with the state, by the time they get around to it, you’ve been without a job for two years. You’ve been out of your apartment for two years. That is an injustice that can’t be corrected.”

Lehigh County adopted a non-discrimination ordinance in 2024. Boulette said he looked at that document, as well as a similar measure passed in Delaware County, for inspiration when crafting Northampton County’s version. 

The human relations commission at the county level would be an all-volunteer panel, with appointments named by County Executive Tara Zrinski, and confirmed by Northampton County Council. Members would investigate claims of discrimination and impose possible penalties, such as fines or restitution. 

Boulette said, since introducing the ordinance earlier this month, the feedback he’s received has been overwhelmingly positive. “I think people recognize that folks deserve to live their lives regardless of who they are, and that’s an important aspect of this bill.”

A number of supporters spoke during the public comment portion of the March 5 meeting, including Joe Welsh from the Lehigh Valley Justice Institute.

“I personally have litigated many discrimination cases, and I can tell you that the state and federal agencies charged with enforcement of numerous similar state and federal laws are completely overwhelmed, and it can easily take over a year to get a decision,” Welsh said. “So a local solution that can quickly resolve such issues would be a fantastic improvement.”

Northampton County Council will meet Thursday, March 19 at 6:30 p.m. on the third floor of the government center at 669 Washington Street in Easton.