Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has signed two executive orders prohibiting state employees from discriminating against homosexuals and transgenders in state contracts and grants and for those who contract with the state from doing the same.
"These executive orders—one that applies to Commonwealth employees and the other that applies to grants and procurement, say that no agency under the governor's jurisdiction shall discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, or disability," Wolf announced, according to Christian News.
"The employment practices of the Commonwealth must be non-discriminatory. And all businesses contracting with the Commonwealth should use non-discriminatory practices in sub-contracting, hiring, promoting, and other labor matters."
The new orders, however, did not sit well with the Pennsylvania Family Council. The group said in a statement that such could cause problems for charities that receive contracts or grants from the Commonwealth and, therefore, must be withdrawn for being "unjust."
"Under two executive orders signed today, PA is closed for business unless you agree with Governor Wolf," said Council President Michael Geer.
"He's ordering something that could very well exclude thousands of good people from doing business with their own state in their own state."
"[T]hese executive orders will put the onus on many faith-inspired charities that serve needy Pennsylvanians to prove they are doing Governor Wolf's bidding or face complete cut-off of state funds," Geer said.
Wolf also urged lawmakers to pass legislation that would expand existing non-discrimination laws throughout Pennsylvania, saying his orders were only limited to the government level.
A non-discrimination bill, he said, would make it clear to the world that "Pennsylvania is a welcoming place for everyone."
"This is the right thing for us to do, just as it was right for William Penn to proclaim that Pennsylvania was a place for everyone regardless of your religion," the governor said.
Wolf said he is "troubled" that the legislature has yet to pass a law that provides protections for homosexuals and transgender residents.
"Pennsylvania needs to go on record to proclaim that all people—regardless of sexual orientation, gender expression or identity—are treated equally under Pennsylvania law," he said.
The 1682 "Great Law" of Pennsylvania, penned by its founder William Penn, required criminal penalties for those who engage in homosexual acts.
