Pittsburgh councilwoman says coronavirus has led to more discrimination complaints

Pittsburgh would ban discrimination based on a person’s citizenship or immigration status under legislation City Council is scheduled to introduce on Tuesday.

Councilwoman Erika Strassburger, the sponsor, said the Pittsburgh Human Relations Commission has experienced an uptick of discrimination complaints since the coronavirus pandemic began. The complaints contend people have been denied housing or service at businesses because their perceived immigration or citizenship status.

She said people are using the pandemic as a reason to deny people housing or services.

“Not only do they know this is a problem for housing and public accommodations, but there has been an uptick in the number of complaints coming to their office,” she said.

Mayor Bill Peduto will join the Human Relations Commission and other city officials Tuesday morning for a virtual press conference to discuss the bill.

In addition to citizenship status, it would prohibit landlords or businesses from denying services to a person speaking a foreign language or using sign language to communicate.

The Human Relations Commission has authority to seek a court injunction to stop discriminatory behavior and levy penalties, including fines, damages and attorney fees, if an investigation and hearing confirms a complaint.

Violators can be subject to fines ranging from a maximum $10,000 to $50,000 if they have a history of discriminatory practices.

Council is expected to consider the legislation and schedule a vote in coming weeks.