Public divided as Pittsburgh council hears testimony on two charter-amendment ordinances targeting discrimination and referendum limits

Pittsburgh City Council heard more than 20 registered speakers Feb. 3 at a public hearing on two ordinances—Bill 14-25 and Bill 14-26—that would place competing Home Rule Charter amendments before voters in the May 2025 primary. Bill 14-25 would add a new section (105) to Article I to bar discrimination in city business on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or expression, disability, place of birth, national origin or association or affiliation with any nation or foreign state. Bill 14-26 would prohibit use of the charter‑amendment process to add duties or obligations beyond the city’s lawful authority.

Supporters and opponents framed the measures as responses to a separate citizen petition seeking its own amendment (the “No War Crimes on Our Dime” initiative). Proponents of Bills 14-25 and 14-26 argued the ordinances would protect the city from divisive, targeted referendums and from discrimination against protected groups; many urged council to place the measures on the ballot. Opponents said the council measures could be used to…