“Law is always best when it is most simple to understand, and it’s applied fairly and most evenly,” Commissioner Ron Beitler said during the Feb. 14 Lehigh County Board of Commissioners meeting. “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.”

Beitler was speaking during a discussion on two bills, titled 2024-03 and 2024-04. Both deal with discrimination, as well as provide a means for residents to come forward with discrimination claims.

Commissioner Jeffrey Dutt withdrew his sponsorship of bill 2024-04, which was intended as a bipartisan effort to establish countywide nondiscrimination for employment, housing, education, health care and public accommodations. It would also have authorized a human relations commission to investigate and enforce complaints. This withdrawal pulled bill 2023-04 from the floor.

Dutt also shared concerns and said he would not support the other bill.

Commissioner Dan Hartzell shared his thoughts with the creation of a human relations commission to investigate the claims.

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

Hartzell explained his concerns of what could happen if the system becomes overwhelmed.

“The proponents say there aren’t a lot of false complaints,” Hartzell said. “Let’s find out and see because I think good can come of this.”

Commissioner Antonio Pineda also cited concerns, especially the power of the human relations commission.

“This is something I think should be left to the courts,” Pineda explained.

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

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

The board also 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.

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