PA LGBTQ+ Chambers Joined Together to Denounce Chambersburg Council Repeal of LGBTQ+ Inclusive Law Harrisburg/Philadelphia/Pittsburgh. Keystone Business Alliance, Independence Business Alliance, and Three Rivers Business Alliance, representing the three Pennsylvania affiliated chambers of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, express their disappointment with the decision of the Chambersburg Council in repealing its ordinance that banned discrimination based on sex, race, religion, and other factors in terms of employment, housing, and public accommodations and established a local human relations commission tasked with handling complaints of violations. In repealing the ordinance Chambersburg became the first among 70 Pa. municipalities that have enacted LGBTQ inclusive laws to revoke it. By repealing the ordinance without implementing any further protections for the LGBTQ+ community and other members who have historically faced discrimination, the Chambersburg Council has sent a clear message that LGBTQ+ businesses and their allies are not welcome in their town. Nondiscrimination protections ensure those basic freedoms to earn a living, rent or own a home, and participate fully in the community. LGBTQ+ people currently do not have these express, comprehensive nondiscrimination protections nationwide, and continue to lack clarity and consistency here in our state. It’s essential to our local and state economy that all employees, customers, and visitors – and their families – feel safe and welcome in all towns in Pennsylvania, including Chambersburg. Keystone Business Alliance, Independence Business Alliance, and Three Rivers Business Alliance call upon the Chambersburg Council to reconsider its decision. Also, all three chambers stand together in their demand that the Pennsylvania General Assembly join the rest of that states in the Northeast of the United States and enact a non-discriminatory statute that protects the LGBTQ+ community in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, regardless of their zip code. Otherwise, Pennsylvania will continue to be viewed as an unwelcoming state for LGBTQ+ businesses and their allies. Contact: Cynthia Oliver, Executive Director Three Rivers Business Alliance coliver@3rba.com