PHILADELPHIA: Voters Approve Permanent First-In-Nation Office Of LGBT Affairs At City Hall

In 2008 Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter issued an executive order establishing the Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs. Since that order could be undone by a future mayor, yesterday voters approved a referendum item permanently establishing the office in the city’s charter. The Philly Voice reports:

The office is responsible for working on policies that aid the LGBT community and promote equality and diversity. Mark Segal, publisher of the Philadelphia Gay News, told Philly Voice that the impact of the move is great, considering no city or state in the United States has made such an office a permanent government entity. “You gotta realize it’s the first one of it’s type in the nation. It’s never been done before,” he said. “It’s not only revolutionary, it’s pioneering.” Segal, who recently published a memoir about his career fighting for LGBT rights, noted that the move cemented Philadelphia’s status as the “most friendly LGBT city in the country.” “This beats San Francisco.”

The item passed with a 58% majority. The top task for the office will be to spearhead a statewide LGBT anti-discrimination law. (Tipped by JMG readers Ed & Paul)