Philadelphia Commission On Human Relations Issues Report On Gayborhood Racism
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations issued its report today following a first of its kind hearing on racism in the city's LGBT community held last October.
The agency is calling for anti-bias training and more.
The 17-page report begins by acknowledging the existence of racism at Gayborhood bars.
"Many people who are not white, cis-gender men experience racism, prejudice and discrimination there."
Rue Landau runs the commission, which reviewed testimony from dozens within the LGBT community. The group is recommending training on fair practices laws, implicit bias, diverse hiring practices, clearer policies and testing at bars and non-profits.
Mayor Jim Kenney say the city the rules will be enforced.
"If it also means we need to hit their pocket books, we are willing to do that too."
"We will be watching them every step of the way."
Activists like Shani Akilah spent months protesting to bring attention to Gayborhood racism that dates back 30 years.
She called the report "progress" but sends a message to establishments that continue to discriminate.
"Last year we used out bodies to shut them down- this year, we will do the same."
Phase one of implementation begins in 30 days.
