The LuLac Edition #5, 694, June 24th, 2026

 

WRITE ON WEDNESDAY

Our “Write on Wednesday” logo

This week’s article centers on a letter writer who calls out the lies of the Luzerne County Republican party regarding the anti-discrimination   ordinance passed by County Council a few weeks ago. It speaks to the misleading information given by the county GOP in its efforts to remain relevant after losing huge in the last election. 

 

LETTER CALLING OUT GOP LIES FROM LUZERNE COUNTY GOP 

I say this with respect: the Luzerne County Anti-Discrimination ordinance does not make undocumented immigrants a protected class, as some are falsely claiming.

The law simply mirrors existing federal civil rights protections against discrimination based on national origin or lawful citizenship status. It references Section 1324b of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which only protects people who are lawfully present in the U.S.—citizens, green card holders, refugees, and asylees. Undocumented immigrants are not covered under that federal definition, so they are not covered under this ordinance either. Nowhere in its 18 pages does it say it protects “illegal aliens.”

What the ordinance actually does is prevent discrimination in jobs, housing, healthcare, education, and public spaces. It helps veterans, people with disabilities, domestic violence survivors, families with children, and people using housing vouchers. It doesn’t change anyone’s immigration status, override federal law, or hand out special rights.

It also doesn’t make it easier to sue. Section 302.1Q states plainly that nothing in it requires an employer to hire, promote, or keep an employee who isn’t qualified. Being unqualified remains a lawful reason for denial. And people can already file discrimination complaints under state and federal law. This ordinance just creates a local process so problems get solved faster through a county investigation, mediation, and findings by the Human Relations Commission instead of waiting 18 to 24 months for the state.

That actually reduces lawsuits by settling most issues close to home.

Meanwhile, we face an affordable housing crisis and data centers eyeing our land. I live here too, and I want our priorities aligned with our community’s real needs.

If I’m wrong, please enlighten me. I’m always up for an honest conversation.

Can we please focus on the real issues?

 

Holly Spece

Forty Fort