Editor's Note: This article has been updated with a comment from Supervisor Vice Chair Daniel Grenier.
Lower Makefield supervisors established a new township Human Relations Commission Wednesday as part of an anti-discrimination ordinance that also bans conversion therapy for those age 18 or younger.
Conversion therapy is defined as “any practices or treatments that seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity.”
Resident Cathy Hanville, who supports the new ordinance, said, “I’m very happy they passed it, adding she was “a little disappointed” that the vote wasn’t unanimous. She said she was glad the township enacted it during Pride Month for the LGBTQ community.
The ordinance was approved by a 4-1 vote with Supervisor James McCartney voting against it.
McCartney said he opposed discrimination but thought the appointed commission hearing cases involving freedom of speech “might be a little bit of government overreach.”
Supervisor Vice Chair Daniel Grenier expressed his support for the ordinance in an email.
“By approving this ordinance, the Board of Supervisors took a very important step toward ensuring that our residents will not be discriminated against just for being who they are,” he wrote. “We want everyone to feel welcome, safe, and supported in Lower Makefield Township. This ordinance shows a concerted effort to do just that.”
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.