Pennsylvania House Bill HB85

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/25
• Refer: 1/14/25

Caption

Further providing for unlawful discriminatory practices; and providing for unlawful discriminatory practices against certain religions.

Impact

The proposed changes under HB 85 would lead to an expansion of the current legal definitions surrounding discrimination in Pennsylvania. Specifically, it would legally recognize antisemitism and delineate it as an actionable form of discrimination. This is expected to have significant implications for employers and organizations within the state, compelling them to reevaluate their policies and training programs related to discrimination and diversity. The potential redefinition of antisemitism may also influence court interpretations and compliance requirements for businesses, ensuring they do not engage in practices that could be deemed discriminatory under the newly introduced standards.

Summary

House Bill 85 seeks to amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act by introducing new provisions that specifically address unlawful discriminatory practices against certain religions, particularly the Jewish faith. The bill explicitly defines antisemitism in accordance with the standards set by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance and aims to provide a clearer framework for identifying such discriminatory practices in employment and other sectors. By doing so, the bill is intended to enhance protections against discrimination based on religious beliefs, fortifying the legal standing of individuals who may face such biases in the workplace or other public spheres.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 85 appears to be largely supportive among advocacy groups focused on civil rights and anti-discrimination. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step towards addressing rising antisemitism and ensuring that individuals are protected against discrimination on the basis of their religious identity. However, there could also be some contention regarding how the bill defines antisemitism, particularly concerning the allowance for criticisms of Israel, which supporters of the bill emphasize as an important distinction to avoid infringing on free speech.

Contention

Despite the positive reception from many quarters, critics may raise concerns regarding the broader implications of legally codifying what constitutes antisemitism, specifically how it could intersect with issues of free expression, especially regarding political criticism of Israel. The balance between protecting individuals from discrimination and ensuring that freedom of speech is preserved might become a focal point of debate as the bill progresses through the legislative process. Furthermore, there may be discussions around how effectively these new provisions can be enforced and the potential need for additional resources to educate both employers and employees on the changes.