Delaware County Council is considering creating a county-based Human Relations Commission that would have the authority to issue fines up to $500 based on violations impacting more than two dozen classifications. The creation of the commission had its first reading at the August county council meeting. It would consist of 12 volunteer members who would hear alleged violations and consider them in public hearings. The commission would evaluate areas of disputes regarding housing, employment, medical care and education. Attorney Jack Larkin, the county’s deputy solicitor, said, “Those include protected classes of perceived race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, national origin or citizenship status, ancestry, sex, including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, familial status, GED rather than high school diploma, physical or mental disability, relationship or association with a disabled person, source of income, age, height, weight, veteran status, use of guide or support animals and/or mechanical aids, or domestic or sexual violence victim status.” The commission could evaluate the complaint, mediate it or hold a public hearing on it, and then make a determination if there was a violation. Larkin said the commission would have the authority to levy a $500 fine and, should their order not be followed, it could progress to the county Court of Common Pleas, where it could result in a contempt order.
Source: Daily Times; 8/28/2025