Human Relations Commission

LGBTQ Equality & Fairness

While the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act prohibits some discrimination, it does not protect LGBTQ Pennsylvanians from discrimination.  Mayor Tony George and his administration believed that LGBTQ citizens should be included in these kinds of protections. To that end, in 2016, supported by Mayor George, Wilkes-Barre City Council established a Human Relations Commission and related laws to assure that all persons, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, marital status, age, mental or physical disability, use of guide or support animals and/or mechanical aids, and to have equal access to postsecondary educational institutions without regard to actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, marital status, age, mental or physical disability, use of guide or support animals and/or mechanical aids, enjoy the full benefits of citizenship and are afforded equal opportunities for employment, housing and use of public accommodation facilities.

We look forward to working with the LGBTQ community in helping to make Wilkes-Barre an inclusive, diverse, and fair city.  If you have suggestions or would like to become involved in supporting making Wilkes-Barre a more LGBTQ-friendly city, please contact one of our LGBTQ community liaisons.

The Wilkes-Barre City Mayor’s Office liaison to the LGBTQ Community is Patty Hughes.  She can be reached at 570.208.4149.

Commission Members