Phoenixville Council Votes To Hold Anti-Discrimination Ordinance Public Hearing

PHOENIXVILLE, PA -- During an at times tense discussion on Tuesday night, the Phoenixville borough council agreed to schedule a public hearing to consider a proposed anti-discrimination ordinance that would provide additional protections to minority citizens.

Much of the debate surrounded the possible legal ramifications of the ordinance for the borough, and potential difficulties in enforcing its tenets. The council ultimately passed a resolution to hold the hearing by a vote of 6-2.

"What this (ordinance) is saying is judge me on what I do, judge me on how I contribute to my community," said Councilwoman Catherine Doherty. "Do not judge me on what I look like, or how I like to dress, or who I love."

Committee members have been working on the ordinance for more than a year. Councilman Edwin Soto said that the ordinance was a "hybrid" of measures put forth by similarly sized municipalities in the local area, including West Chester.

Councilman Jon Ichter, who represented one of the dissenting votes, disagreed with Doherty and said that the language in the ordinance was largely lifted from state code. He also contended that the title was misleading and potentially harmful, a sentiment echoed by others.

"I don't think Phoenixville is a discriminatory town," he said. "Why not call it the Equal Opportunity Ordinance, or the Human Relations Ordinance?"

The chief concern, however, seemed to be with the logistics of enforcing the ordinance, and of legally protecting the borough. Ichter said that he supported the idea of the ordinance but called it "shameful" and "asinine" that it had not been presented to a solicitor for legal review before the vote Tuesday.

Councilman James Kovaleski was the other dissenting vote.

The preamble to the proposed ordinance reads as follows:

"All persons, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender orientation, familial status, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, use of guide or support animals or aides, are given the full benefits of citizenship, and are afforded equal opportunities for employment, housing, and the use of public accommodations."

Versions of similar ordinances have been in place in Harrisburg since 1982. Royersford has recently proposed a similar measure.

If passed, Phoenixville would become the 38th municipality in Pennsylvania to adopt an anti-discrimination ordinance.

A date for the public hearing has not yet been set.

Patch file photo