More than 24 Members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly have reaffirmed their support for equal treatment for all Pennsylvanians by joining the newly-formed bi-partisan LGBT Equality Caucus.

According to an announcement made last week, the Caucus, a first in Pennsylvania, will be a place for lawmakers and citizens alike to share ideas on how to make our Commonwealth a safer and more inclusive environment for all citizens.

A press release sent out by Equality PA, an organization advocating for the rights of LGBT Pennsylvanians, said that most caucus members have agreed to support a comprehensive mission statement “to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality. The bi-partisan LGBT Equality Caucus will be comprised of Members of the General Assembly who are strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBT people in the Commonwealth and around the nation. By serving as a resource for Members of the General Assembly, their staff, and the public on LGBT issues, the Caucus will work toward the extension of equal rights, the repeal of discriminatory laws, the elimination of hate-motivated violence, and the improved health and well-being for all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.”

Members of the new caucus are: Reps Frankel, Josephs, Shapiro, B. Boyle, K. Boyle, Brennan, Payton, Davis, McGeehan, Bradford, Brown, Briggs, Buxton, Cohen, DeLissio, Curry, DePasquale, M.O’Brien, Gerber, Roebuck, M. Smith, Santarsiero, Sturla and Sens. Leach, Ferlo and Farnese.