Northampton County Council unanimously adopted a human relations commission and corresponding human relations ordinance at its meeting March 19 meeting.

The ordinance creates a commission that will enforce the human relations ordinance, which covers nondiscrimination requirements for employment, housing, education, health care, and public accommodations. Lehigh County passed a similar ordinance in 2024.

“I think what this ordinance expresses is that you have the right to live your life, to get a job, to live in your home, regardless of who you are,” said Jason Boulette, council member at-large. “I don’t think that’s radical. I don’t think that’s drastic. I think that’s basic fairness. I think this ordinance is an important step to take.”

Under the ordinance, “it shall be unlawful for any person to engage in discrimination against any person on the basis of a protected class in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodation, access to educational institutions, or provision of health care.”

The ordinance expands upon existing state law, said Jeff Warren, council vice-chair.

“Under this county measure, our veterans are going to be protected from discrimination,” Warren said. “They currently are not under state law. Under this county measure, those who have gone through domestic violence will be protected from discrimination. They currently are not under state law. Under this measure, sexual orientation will be protected, (which it is) currently not under state law and our citizens’ education and their health care are not included in the state law.”

Protected classes within the ordinance include actual or perceived race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, familial status, GED rather than high school diploma, or mental disability, relationship or association with a disabled person, source of income, age, height, weight, veteran status, use of guide or support animals and/or mechanical aids, or domestic or sexual violence victim status, according to a press release issued by Northampton County on its website.

A backlog of cases exists at the state level and this ordinance and commission will help Northampton County residents have complaints heard in a more timely manner, Warren said.

Several members of the public spoke in favor of the ordinance during public comment.

“Having a local remedy as opposed to going to the state level where it can take two years is a benefit to both sides in an investigation,” said Joe Welsh of East Allen Township, founder and executive director of the Lehigh Valley Justice Institute. “Think of the additional categories of Northampton County residents who will be protected from discrimination (by passing the ordinance).”

No members of the public spoke in opposition.

Before adopting the ordinance, the council approved a series of amendments clarifying the frequency of written reports to the council, member appointment timelines, and eliminating expense reimbursement language for now. In proposing the amendments, Lori Vargo Heffner, council member at-large, stated she supported the ordinance but felt these logistic changes were needed to align the ordinance with similar county ordinances and county Home Rule charter.

The commission will consist of seven members, reflecting the diversity of protected classes, appointed by the county executive and approved by the county council, according to the press release, which went on to say that if the commission investigates and substantiates the discrimination, it can fine the offender up to $600.

In other news from Thursday’s county council meeting:

The council unanimously approved an ordinance agreeing with Wilson borough and the Wilson Area School District to participate in and authorize the creation of a proposed tax increment financing district at the site of the old Dixie Cup manufacturing facility and adjacent parking lot in Wilson.

The county council approved several appointments and re-appointments including reappointing Stefanie Green of Northampton to the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Advisory Board and the reappointment of Thomas Sedor of Northampton to the Revenue Appeals Board.

The county council approved modifying a part-time First Assistant Public Defender to a full-time position

Contracts were approved for kitchen equipment maintenance at the Northampton County Prison with H.T. Lyons, Inc.; employee uniforms for the Department of Corrections with Patriot Workwear; and Tenex Software Solutions and Data Center Warehouse for a precinct central ePollbook hardware upgrade.

The council adopted a land amendment resolution regarding the South Bethlehem Greenway.

The council approved a transfer of $15,000 out of contingency for SoberPlatz at Musikfest 2026