House passes expansion to Pennsylvania Human Relations Act after heated floor debate

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed House Bill 2103 on April 28, 2026, after an often-contentious floor debate over whether the bill’s language on gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation is sufficiently clear. On final passage the tally was 101 yeas to 100 nays; the clerk will transmit the bill to the Senate for concurrence.

Supporters said the bill restores and clarifies nondiscrimination protections for Pennsylvanians. Representative Kenyatta, a floor leader for the bill, framed the measure as protecting “the right to exist as your full self,” and argued Pennsylvanians “should be treated with dignity and respect.” Representative Waxman, the bill’s floor sponsor, said the measure prohibits organized exclusion and cited a reported attempt by a white‑nationalist group in another state to exploit a statutory loophole: “There is no room for that here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” he said.

Opponents repeatedly raised concerns about the bill’s definitions and potential effects on schools and female athletics. Representative Barger said he opposed the bill because the language on “gender expression” is “broad, subjective, and open ended” and warned it could be litigated for years. Several members, including Representatives Krupa and Walsh, argued the bill’s public‑accommodation language could affect locker rooms and girls’ sports and urged a no vote.

Floor speeches included detailed policy and values arguments on both sides. Representative Krupa said the bill “creates new protected classes” with unclear boundaries and predicted extensive litigation; Representative Ben Up and others warned of practical consequences for small institutions and faith‑based providers. Supporters countered that the bill includes protections for religious liberty and that discrimination remains a pressing problem for many Pennsylvanians.

During debate members proposed and voted on multiple amendments; some amendments were defeated and at least one judge‑ment‑focused judiciary amendment was adopted earlier in the day on a related bill. After the final debate on HB2103 the House recorded the roll call: 101 yeas, 100 nays. The House’s clerk will return the enrolled bill to the Senate for consideration.

What happens next: The bill proceeds to the Pennsylvania Senate for concurrence. If the Senate concurs, the bill would go to the governor for signature or veto. The close margin suggests any change to the bill’s language or a different vote in another chamber could alter its path.