May. 02, 2023
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Brian Smith (R-Jefferson/Indiana) cast a no vote for House Bill 300, legislation Democrats have dubbed the “Fairness Act.” He issued this statement following the vote:
“This legislation is fair in name only. It is a slap in the face of health care professionals and parents, and potentially harmful to the children of the Commonwealth.
“Democrats say
House Bill 300 is trying to protect LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians from discrimination. However, this bill would discriminate against a different group, religious health care professionals. It would lead to the punishment of any doctors who, for religious or professional reasons, refuse to perform sex change operations.
“In addition, the bill would allow biological males to play women’s sports if they so choose and require the sharing of bathrooms and locker rooms in public school settings.
“This bill is a solution in search of a problem. There are many existing protections in place for LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians. This legislation is just a divisive distraction focusing on our differences instead of what brings us together.”
House Bill 300 passed the House today with a vote of 102-98. It will now go to the Senate for consideration.