Pennsylvania’s civil rights framework includes broad protections under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, which forbids discrimination based on race, religion, sex, age, disability, and more. However, LGBTQ+ protections remain limited at the state level, leading cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to expand coverage locally. Civil rights issues often focus on housing justice, policing, and religious freedom. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission handles enforcement. Legal support is key in helping individuals assert their rights and close the gap between constitutional ideals and local realities.
