“Law is always best why it is most simple to understand, and it’s applied fairly and most evenly. And I think a law that acknowledges everyone’s universal human rights is better than something that relies on membership in special categories defined by the government,” said Commissioner Ron Beitler during the Feb. 14 Lehigh County board meeting.

Beitler was speaking during a discussion on two bills dealing with how best to legislate what defines discrimination, as well as provide a means for any Lehigh Valley resident to come forward with discrimination claims.

Commissioner Jeffrey Dutt started the discussion by withdrawing his sponsorship to Bill 2024-04. The bill not only would have established countywide nondiscrimination for employment, housing, education, health care and public accommodations, but would have also authorized the human relations commission to investigate and enforce complaints of discrimination.

“Based on how Bill -03 is constructed and what it does, I will not be able to support it,” Dutt added.

Commissioner Dan Hartzell, who supported Dutt’s bill, spoke of his own concerns with Bill 2024-03, which allows for the creation of a human relations commission to investigate claims of discrimination.

“I might be a swing-vote to make this veto proof. And I’m going to provide that vote.”

Hartzell went on to explain his concerns of what could happen, especially if the system becomes overwhelmed with cases of alleged discrimination.

“The proponents say there aren’t a lot of false complaints. Let’s find out and see because I think the good that can come of this. The stop sign will be there and some people who are discriminated will be helped.”

Too many concerns, especially to the power to the Human Relations Commission, are the reasons Commissioner Antonia Pineda cited for his opposition to the bill. “This is something that I think should be left to the courts.”

Commissioner Reddick told the board, “For the growth of Lehigh County, this is needed. This, the bill, actually covers everything.”

Bill 2024-03 passed 6-3, with Beitler, Dutt and Pineda and voting against it.

The board gave final approval to a grant for Lehigh Valley YMCA for the Allentown Branch’s Warming Station to receive $75,000 per year, for the next five years.

Commissioner Ron Beitler made the point this is a “one-time gift” and more will have to be done looking forward, a point reiterated by Commissioner Jon Irons.

First reads on a number of new bills were passed, including grants for CAREs Act and the Lehigh Valley Homeless Veterans Fund.