Delaware County Passes Antidiscrimination Law

Delaware County Passes Landmark Antidiscrimination Ordinance, Advancing Local Civil Rights Protections

Delaware County has taken a historic step toward strengthening civil rights protections with the passage of Ordinance No. 2025‑06 on December 3, 2025. The measure, which becomes effective January 1, 2026, establishes comprehensive county‑level safeguards against discrimination in employment, housing, and other key areas. The ordinance creates a broad set of protected classes, including race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, marital and family status, and source of income, and prohibits discriminatory practices across the county.

The new law also modernizes employment practices by restricting the use of criminal history in early hiring stages and prohibiting salary‑history inquiries, aligning Delaware County with best‑practice civil rights standards. Enforcement authority will rest with the County’s Human Relations Commission, which was first established by a unanimous Council resolution in September 2025.

Keystone Equality’s Role in Advancing Local Protections

The passage of Delaware County’s ordinance reflects a broader statewide movement that Keystone Equality has been instrumental in shaping. As one of Pennsylvania’s leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, Keystone Equality has long supported municipalities and counties in drafting, refining, and advancing nondiscrimination ordinances. Their work includes ordinance research, outreach to local leaders, and technical assistance to ensure that protections align with Pennsylvania’s Human Relations Act and local needs.

Delaware County’s ordinance now joins a growing list of more than 75 local governments across Pennsylvania that have enacted LGBTQ‑inclusive nondiscrimination protections, many of which were supported by Keystone Equality’s guidance and coalition‑building efforts.

A Milestone for Residents and a Model for Other Counties

With this ordinance, Delaware County signals a clear commitment to fairness, equity, and local enforcement of civil rights. The measure not only protects residents from discrimination but also positions the county as a model for neighboring jurisdictions still considering similar legislation.

As Pennsylvania continues to lack comprehensive statewide protections, local action, supported by organizations like Keystone Equality, remains essential. Delaware County’s ordinance demonstrates how coordinated advocacy, community engagement, and careful legislative design can produce meaningful, enforceable protections for all.