Capitol rally for ban on discrimation against single moms WPSU-PRCN (WPSU) - Mothers with their babies, activist and lawmakers rallied Tuesday at the state capitol in Harrisburg to urge support for a bill which would ban workplace discrimination against single moms and others.

Senate Bill 280, which would prohibit workplace and housing discrimination based on marital status and parenthood, has been introduced by Republican state Senator Jane Orie of Allegheny County. Orie says about 46& of the American workforce last year was made up of women, and nearly 72% of women with children under 18 are employed.

"Despite all the statistics," Orie told the crowd, "and the notion that our society has evolved past the point of gender discrimination, it simply isn't true. Too often, mothers are discriminated against in the workforce or in housing situations, and it's unacceptable."

And, Orie said, many women are never given the chance to be judged based on job performance or work ethic. "It's still legal for employers to discriminate against you because of your marital and family status. Even if your reponsibilities as a mother and a caregiver do not interfere with your job. In essence, there's a mother penalty," Orie said.

Employment discrimination attorney Justine Andronici says she has seen firsthand many women whose careers and job prospects have been damaged by marital discrimination and family responsibility. She addressed the rally, saying, "Today we are at a significant juncture for the rights of women and the citizens of Pennsylvania. We are gathered to support the passage of the House and Senate Bills 280, which are designed to prevent discrimination on the basis of marital and family status in the employment, house and public accommodation sectors."

Orie has been pushing her proposal for ten years, but says she hopes the support of freshman lawmakers and other factors will make passage of the measure a reality this year.


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