From the Legal Hotline

By Teri Henning, General Counsel; Melissa Melewsky, Media Law Counsel
Pennsylvania Newspaper Association

Q: An advertiser wants to run a help wanted ad that includes the language “strong pro-choice applicants only”. Can we say this?

A: PNA recommends against using this type of language.

The PA Human Relations Act prohibits employment ads from showing a preference, limitation, specification or discrimination based on age race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, non-job related handicap or disability and use of guide or support animal due to blindness, deafness or physical handicap.

The phrase does not target a specific religion but it does illustrate a preference based on a belief that is central to many religious faiths. Because religious beliefs could be implicated in the ad, PNA recommends avoiding this type of language.

PNA Legal Hotline: (717) 703-3080

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