Public Accommodations Discrimination
Under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, any individual should have the opportunity to obtain all the accommodations, advantages, facilities and privileges of any public accommodation without discrimination because of race, color, familial status, religious creed, ancestry, handicap or disability, age, sex, national origin, the use of a guide or support animal. Examples of illegal discrimination in public accommodations may include:
- a bus driver refusing to allow a minority person on the bus;
- a municipality not providing handicap-accessible parking to residents with disabilities; or
- a private membership club soliciting members from the general public but denying admission based on race or religion.
The Act also makes it illegal to discriminate against someone because they opposed illegal discrimination, filed a complaint, or assisted in a complaint investigation.
Posting Requirement
The Pennsylvania Public Accommodations Poster is required to be posted by any owner, lessee, proprietor or manager of a public accommodation. (Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, Section 5)
The poster must be displayed in an area where persons seeking or granting the accommodations can easily view upon entering. For example, at the front window, in a stand at the entrance, on a counter at the front of the facility, or by the checkout area if located in the front of the desk.