The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners voted earlier this week to create a human relations commission to address claims of unlawful discrimination in employment, real estate, housing, and public accommodations, writes Katie Bernard for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The 2-1 party-line vote to approve the commission follows the growing pressure on Democratic officials in Montgomery County and across the state to enact local protections for residents who feel targeted by the current administration’s policies, particularly LGBTQ+ residents and people of color.

“This commission sends a clear message to our residents that discrimination has no place here and if you face it you have a county that will stand with you,” said Democratic Commissioner Jamila Winder.

The protections will align with those already provided under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, prohibiting discrimination based on factors such as race, sex, religion, and disability.

The commission would serve as a local alternative to the state-level remedy for discrimination in the county.

“The implications for our residents would be real and immediate and for the first time they’d have someone here locally,” said Democratic Commissioner Neil Makhija, who chairs the board.

Read more about what this new commission means for Montgomery County residents and why it marks a turning point in local anti-discrimination efforts in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on MONTCO.Today in September 2025.