Mayor Nutter to Sign Philly’s LGBT Equality Bill Today

Philadelphia is one signature away from being the most gay-friendly city in the country.

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This afternoon, Mayor Nutter and Councilman Jim Kenney will meet up in the Municipal Building to sign into law Bill #130224, more commonly known as the LGBT Equality Bill that will make Philadelphia the rainbow-iest city in the United States — especially when it comes to rights for the trans community.

In case you need a refresher, here’s a list of the ground-breaking protections the bill will offer Philly’s LGBTQ communitiy:

Overhaul the Philadelphia Code to provide for equality of treatment of all persons in the City of Philadelphia regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

First in U.S. “Life Partner and Transgender Health Tax Credits” to encourage all willing employers to choose LGBT-inclusive employee healthcare options.

Guarantee spouse-equivalent treatment in hospitals & bans discrimination in medical decision making.

Authorize accessibility for LGBT families on all City forms (ex. “Parent 1” and “Parent 2”).

Cement protections for LGBT City employees and employees of City contractors with Life Partners including:

Pension and retirement benefits (including health and welfare); and

Survivor & ”Fallen Hero” death benefits (and others).

Ends exclusion of health benefits for non-union transgender City employees by Jan. 1, 2014

Require all new City construction to offer a single-use, gender-neutral bathroom option.

Require all new City forms & websites to offer LGBT-friendly options (ex. “Parent 1/Mother” and gender neutral “self-identify” option.

Provide employees protections to observe appropriate workplace dress code consistent with their gender identity.

Allow transgender individuals to request name and gender changes throughout their City records.

Authorize report on the state of LGBT equality in Philadelphia within one year.

The mayor and Councilman Kenney are inviting folks to attend the signing, which will take place at 3 p.m. this afternoon at the Municipal Services Building at 15th Street and JFK Boulevard. If you can’t make it, be sure to follow G Philly on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for updates and a play-by-play of the goings on.

Have gay news you’d like to share with G Philly? Send tips to jmiddleton@phillymag.com.