Gay rights group lauds PPL transgender policy change

A Pennsylvania gay rights group is praising Allentown-based PPL Corp. for adding gender identity to its non-discrimination policy. Equality Pennsylvania issued a press release Friday applauding the decision, which it said was made recently by PPL Chairman and Chief Executive Officer William Spence. Company policy already prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, and offers benefits to employees' domestic partners. "I am elated to hear that PPL has made this important policy change, which makes it very clear that PPL is a companywhere [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender] people can work without fear of discrimination. Many thanks to Chairman Spence for his commitment to creating an equal workplace," said Adrian Shanker, the group's president. "This change is very significant, and it is yet another reminder that equal rights for the LGBT community are common sense. I hope our legislators soon catch up with the public as well as those who overwhelmingly believe that non-discrimination in the workplace is good policy." Shanker said Equality Pennsylvania learned of the policy change last week. A PPL spokesman confirmed it Friday.