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Celebration marks 20th anniversary of LGBTQ+ ordinance

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More than 80 Bucks County residents packed The Logan Inn’s downstairs screening room in October for a galvanizing celebration honoring the 20th anniversary of the passing of a groundbreaking LGBTQ+ non-discrimination ordinance.

Geri Delevich, former chair of Community Affairs, and a New Hope Borough Council member at the time, was instrumental in facilitating both the 2002 passage of this landmark bill, as well as orchestrating the anniversary celebration.

“The purpose of holding this celebration was twofold,” she said. “First, to recognize the progressive community of New Hope which has historically embraced differences in people. Secondly, to encourage folks to vote in this critically important midterm election.”

Together with the evening’s co-sponsors New Hope Celebrates, the Human Rights Campaign of Bucks County, the New Hope Borough Council, and the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce, the event included screening a short film, “Liberty & Justice for All,” which documented the hard-fought ordinance’s journey to passage, followed by a lively, impassioned question and answer session with attendees.

On the Q&A panel were Randy Flager, Geri Delevich and Sharyn Keiser, all members of New Hope Borough Council at the time the ordinance was passed in 2002. Audience member state Sen. Steve Santarsiero also came forward to join the panel.

Stated Delevich, “I helped initiate, facilitate and move to adopt this unanimously passed landmark LGBT non discrimination ordinance. Pennsylvania is still the only state in the Northeast that does not protect its LGBT people.”

The panel strongly emphasized the pressing importance of getting out the vote in the Nov. 8 elections. Sharyn Keiser magnified this crucial moment in time. “As we’ve seen from recent federal decisions, it is clear social issues are going back to the states. The only way those who support equal rights for all to win is to get out and vote.”

Santarsiero, who mentioned he has a gay sister and a son who has recently come out as gay, added, “It matters who has the gavel. Too many of our politicians today refuse to bring equal rights issues up for a vote. The state needs to act.”

While too many boroughs still have not passed similar equal rights ordinances, Delevich announced that, “versions of our ordinance were adopted in Newtown, Doylestown and Bristol boroughs. Most recently, a similar ordinance was passed in Solebury Township.”

The event then moved from the theater to the upstairs Whiskey Lounge where conversation continued with food generously provided by The Logan Inn and music provided by the legendary Liz DuFour.

While the mood throughout the evening was upbeat, Delevich reflected on the 20 years since the equal rights ordinance passed, having imagined equal rights would have made more advancements for all segments of our society. “In 2022, women’s rights to choose, racial discrimination, LGBT equality seem to all be up for grabs in this upcoming election. Good people who truly care about Liberty and Justice for all,” she said, “please vote on Nov. 8.”

The results of New Hope‘s mid- term elections several weeks after the Celebration showed overwhelming support for the Democratic candidates, with each candidate receiving near or over 70% of the New Hope vote. New Hope voters continue to advocate for LGBT equality along with racial equality and a woman’s right to choose.


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