Discrimination: Pennsylvania

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Author: Christin Choi, Fisher Phillips

Summary

• The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act prohibits discrimination against any employee, independent contractor, or job applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, non-job related handicap or disability, use of guide or support animals because of blindness, deafness, or physical handicap of the user, or because the user is a handler or trainer of support or guide animals. See Unlawful Discriminatory Practices.
• Remedies under the PHRA can include reimbursement of expenses, reinstatement, back pay, and other legal and equitable relief. Punitive damages, however, are not available under the PHRA. See Remedies.
• Pennsylvania also prohibits discrimination in pay because of sex and discrimination against an individual because of his or her membership in the Pennsylvania National Guard, federal military reserves, or because the individual is called to active military duty. See Other Laws Prohibiting Discrimination.
• Localities including Allegheny County, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have requirements pertaining to discrimination. See Local Requirements.