Southwest Allegheny News

Rep. Valerie Gaydos from Allegheny County has expressed her opposition to House Bill 300 by voting against it. She released a statement explaining her reasons for the decision.

"I support the intent of House Bill 300 to ensure no person should ever be subject to discrimination, but this legislation broadly amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) to include protection of individuals that are 'actual or perceived' members of any protected class," Gaydos stated. She further added that "'Perceived' is not included in the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its proposed inclusion in the PHRA is a divisive distraction focusing on our differences instead of what brings us together."

Gaydos expressed concern over the ambiguity introduced by this legislation, stating, "With this increased ambiguity, this legislation fails to recognize the rights of already protected classes such as people with legitimately held religious beliefs, many originated through their First Amendment-ensured free exercise of religion." She also mentioned that it "undermines the rights of women to play competitive sports free from biological men on their women’s sports teams."

In March 2022, Gaydos sponsored House Bill 972, known as the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act. This bill aimed to protect women's and girls' opportunities in athletics by ensuring they would not have to compete against biological males on women's sports teams. Although it passed through the General Assembly, it was vetoed by former Governor Tom Wolf.

For further information or inquiries, media contact Rick Leiner at 717.260.6437 or via email at rleiner@pahousegop.com.