Rep. Kathy Rapp has defended her decision not to support a bill that proponents say protects LGBTQ+ individuals from employment and housing discrimination.

The underlying bill has been called the “Fairness Act” and adds “sexual orientation, gender identity or expression” to a list including “race, color, religious creed, ancestry, sex, age and national origin” where discrimination is already prohibited.

The bill focuses almost exclusively on employment and housing discrimination as well as “public accommodation.”

It passed the House on May 2 and has been referred to the State Government Committee in the Senate.

State Rep. Kathy Rapp opposed the measure and explained her decision in her newsletter.

“Why would anyone vote against something called the “Fairness Act?” Because it’s really not fair at all,” she wrote. “Supporters of this bill are not telling you the whole story.”

“We all agree no person should be subject to discrimination,” she continued. “I want to see all people treated fairly, and that’s exactly why I voted against this bill. Despite claims to the contrary, this bill would open the door to shared locker rooms and bathrooms for our school children; to biological men competing in women’s sports; and to doctors who, for religious or professional reasons, refuse to perform sex change operations.”

None of those specific issues were identified in the text of the bill approved in the House.

“This bill divides, rather than unites, our Commonwealth and its citizens,” Rapp added. “We must do better.”

Proponents of the bill cite a 2020 U.S. Supreme Court decision that rules an employer cannot discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

“While this decision was an historic victory for civil rights, it does not prevent someone in our state who identifies as LGBTQ+ from being denied housing, education, or access to public accommodations simply because of who they are or who they love,” according to a legislative memo.

“Pennsylvania’s lack of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law is an embarrassment and a deterrent for workers and businesses who could help grow our economy. That is why we plan to introduce legislation to prohibit discrimination in our state based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.”