Pennsylvania is poised to become the latest state to prohibit discrimination based on natural hairstyles, following overwhelming votes in both chambers of the state legislature.
The Pennsylvania State Senate voted 44-3 to pass the CROWN Act, a bill that amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to ban discrimination in employment and housing based on hair type, texture, or protective styles.
The CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” was previously passed by the State House in March with significant bipartisan support.
State Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes (D-Allegheny), the bill’s sponsor, celebrated the Senate vote: “I am so thrilled that my legislation to end race-based hair discrimination has passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support,” she said. “The CROWN Act has been a longtime fight toward the overall goal of ending this insidious discrimination in our commonwealth.”
The legislation specifically outlaws discrimination against hairstyles historically associated with race, including: Locs, Braids, Twists, Coils, Bantu knots, Afros and Extensions.
The bill also protects head coverings and hairstyles associated with religious creeds.
Employers will still be allowed to enforce “valid workplace health and safety rule or policy” standards, provided they apply to all employees and are nondiscriminatory.
The legislation is now on its way to Governor Josh Shapiro’s desk for signature, at which point it will become law.
