Washington, D.C.: A new survey of Pennsylvania voters commissioned by Centerline Action, finds broad, bipartisan support for HB 300, the Fairness Act, a bill aimed at protecting LGBTQ citizens from discrimination. The poll, which was conducted by Republican research firm TargetPoint Consulting, also found that a strong majority (71%) of voters across the political spectrum in Pennsylvania support the law.
“Strong, bipartisan support exists among Pennsylvania voters for passage of the Fairness Act. This bill is simply about following the Golden Rule and treating others as we want to be treated. Elected leaders of both parties in Harrisburg should heed the voices of their constituents and extend discrimination protections to LGBTQ Pennsylvanians. It’s fundamental to building a stronger economy, a more productive workforce and tighter knit communities,” said Centerline Action Board President James Dozier.
Specifically, the statewide survey found that:
- Voters statewide are overwhelmingly supportive of HB 300. 71% support the legislation, 18% oppose it, and 11% have no opinion.
- Support for HB 300 is bipartisan. Support stands at 51% among Republicans, 73% among Independents, and 90% among Democrats.
- Voters are more inclined to support Senators who vote in favor of HB 300.
- Two-thirds (66%) of PA voters say they would be more likely to support a state senator who voted in favor of HB 300 with only 19% less likely and 16% have no opinion.
- 46% of Republicans say they would be more likely to support a state senator who voted in favor. Only 30% of GOP voters would be less likely to support their state senator and 24% would have no opinion.
- Strong majorities of Democrats and Independents would support a state senator who voted in favor of the bill; 86% and 70%, respectively, say they would be “more likely” to support them if they voted in favor.
The Fairness Act (HB 300) passed the Pennsylvania House with bipartisan support on May 2. The bill would amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to add explicit, statutory protections from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The PHRA currently protects people from discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, disability.
To view the full survey results, click here.
Methodology
A total of 800 interviews were conducted among registered voters statewide in Pennsylvania. Interviews were conducted May 9 – May 11, 2023, with a margin of error of +/- 3.46 %. The survey was conducted using web-based interviews and was weighted to reflect statewide demographics.
Centerline Action is a nonprofit focused on forging consensus to advance centrist policy solutions capable of defending core constitutional freedoms and liberties, preserving a free market economy, and limiting the role of government in Americans’ everyday lives.