Pittsburgh marks 50th anniversary of Stonewall riots with non-discrimination legislation

Pittsburgh plans to outlaw discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression.

City officials Tuesday observed the 50th anniversary of riots in New York City that touched off the LGBT movement in America by proposing legislation that would update an existing non-discrimination ordinance to include gender identity and expression as protected classes.

Pittsburgh City Council President Bruce Kraus, who is gay, and Councilwoman Erika Strassburger introduced the legislation. It defines gender identity as actual or perceived identity. Gender expression is an actual or perceived expression of gender identity.

The legislation would list gender identity and gender expression as protected classes under an ordinance banning discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. It also replaces outdated language in the ordinance.

Council is expected to schedule a preliminary vote on the amendments for July 1.

New York City’s Stonewall Riots happened over six days starting on June 28, 1969, after police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village.