[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the Borough of Crafton 11-23-2020 by Ord. No. 1667. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A. 
In order to assure that all persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability enjoy the full benefits of citizenship and are afforded equal opportunities for employment, housing and use of public accommodation facilities, it is necessary that appropriate legislation be enacted.
B. 
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as supporting or advocating any particular doctrine, position, point of view, life style, or religious view. To the contrary, it is the intention of this chapter that all persons are treated fairly and equally, and it is the express intent of this chapter to guarantee fair and equal treatment under law to all people of the Borough of Crafton.
The following words, terms and phrases when use in this chapter shall be defined as follows, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
ACCESSIBLE
Being in compliance with the applicable standards set forth in the following:
A. 
The Fair Housing Act (Public Law 90-284 as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.);
B. 
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336, 42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq., as amended);
C. 
The Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Accessibility Requirements.
AGE
Includes any person 40 years of age or older and shall also include any other person so protected by further amendment to the Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
BOARD
The Equal Opportunity Board of the Borough of Crafton, Pennsylvania.
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
A. 
Any building, structure or facility, or portion thereof, which is used, occupied or is intended, arranged or designed to be used or occupied for the purpose of operating a business, an office, a manufactory or any public accommodation; and
B. 
Any vacant land offered for sale, lease or held for the purpose of constructing or locating thereon any such building, structure, facility, business concern or public accommodation.
DISABILITY OR HANDICAP
Herein referred to as disability or handicap with respect to a person means:
A. 
Physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person's major life activities;
B. 
Record of such an impairment; or
C. 
Regarded as having such an impairment, but such term does not include current, illegal use of or addition to a controlled substance, as defined in Section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (Public Law 91-513, 21 U.S.C. § 802).
D. 
For employment, disability means a non-job-related disability. A non-job-related disability is a limitation of a major life function which does not substantially interfere with the ability to perform the essential functions of the employment which a person applies for, is currently working at or has worked in the past. Uninsurability or increased cost of insurance under a group or employee insurance plan does not render a disability job related.
DISCRIMINATIONS
Any exclusion, denial, intimidation, coercion, difference or segregation in treatment in hiring, referring for hire, promotion, training; in membership in employee or labor organizations, in the advertisement, sale, lease, rental, financing or zoning of housing; or in rendering service in places of public accommodation because of protected class based upon race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, familial status (in housing only), age, use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability of any individual or independent contractor or because of the disability of an individual with whom the person is known to have an association
EMPLOYEE
Employee does not include:
A. 
Any individuals who, as a part of their employment, reside in the personal residence of the employer; or
B. 
Any individual employed by said individual's parents, spouse or child;
C. 
Those employed by religious, fraternal, charitable or sectarian corporations or associations in the direct provision of services of the organization wherein membership is a bona fide occupational qualification, except such corporations or associations supported, in whole or in part, by government appropriations.
EMPLOYER
Any person who employs four or more employees, exclusive of the parents, spouse or children of such person, including the Borough of Crafton, its departments, boards, commissions and authorities, any other governmental agency within its jurisdiction, but excluding any religious, fraternal, charitable or sectarian organization which is not supported in whole or part by any Crafton appropriations.
EMPLOYMENT AGENCY
Any person regularly undertaking with or without compensation to procure opportunities to work or to procure, recruit, refer or place employees.
FAIR HOUSING ACT
Public Law 90-284, 42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq., as amended.
FAMILIAL STATUS
One or more individuals who have not attained the age of 18 years being domiciled with:
A. 
A parent or other person having legal custody of such individual or individuals; or
B. 
The designee of such parent or other person having such custody, with the written permission of such parent or other person.
The protections afforded against discrimination on the basis of familial status shall apply to any person who is pregnant or is in the process of securing legal custody of any individual who has not attained the age of 18 years.
GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION
Self-perception, or perception by others, as male, female or non-binary, including a person's appearance, mannerisms, expression, behavior, or other gender-related characteristics, that may be in accord with, or opposed to, one's physical anatomy, chromosomal sex, or sex assigned at birth.
GUIDE OR SUPPORT ANIMAL
A dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS
Housing accommodations include:
A. 
Any building, structure, mobile home site or facility, or portion thereof, which is used or occupied or is intended, arranged or designed to be used or occupied as the home residence or sleeping place of one or more individuals, groups or families whether or not living independently of each other; and
B. 
Any vacant land offered for sale lease or held for the purpose of constructing or locating thereon any such building, structure, mobile home site or facility. The term "housing accommodation" shall not include any personal residence offered for rent by the owner thereof.
HOUSING FOR OLDER PERSONS
Housing that is:
A. 
Provided under any state or federal program that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development determines is specifically designed and operated to assist elderly persons as defined in the state or federal program; or,
B. 
Is intended for, and solely occupied by persons 62 years of age or older; or,
C. 
Is intended and operated for occupancy by at least one person 55 years of age or older per unit.
(1) 
In determining whether housing qualifies as housing for older persons under this chapter, the Board's requirements shall include but not be limited to the following:
(a) 
That at least 80% of the units are occupied by at least one person 55 years of age or older per unit; and
(b) 
The publication of, and adherence to, policies and procedures which demonstrate an intent by the owner or manager to provide housing for persons 55 years of age or older.
(2) 
Housing shall not fail to meet the requirements for housing for older persons by reason of unoccupied units provided, that such units are reserved for occupancy by persons who meet the age requirements of this chapter.
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
Any person who is subject to the provisions governing any of the professions and occupations regulated by state licensing laws enforced by the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs in the Department of State, or is included in the Fair Housing Act.
LABOR ORGANIZATION
Any organization which exists for the purpose, in whole or in part, of collective bargaining or of dealing with employers concerning grievances, terms or conditions of employment or of other mutual aid or protection in relation to employment.
LENDING INSTITUTION
Any bank, insurance company, savings and loan association or any other person or organization regularly engaged in the business of lending money or guaranteeing loans.
OWNER
A lessee, sublessee, assignee, manager, agent, or any other person having the right of ownership or possession or the authority to sell, rent or lease any housing accommodation, including the Borough of Crafton and its departments, authorities, boards and commissions.
PENNSYLVANIA HUMAN RELATIONS ACT
Public Law 744, No. 222 as amended.
PERSON
Includes one or more individuals, partnerships, associations, organizations, corporations, legal representatives, trustees in bankruptcy or receivers. It also includes, but is not limited to, any owner, lessor, assignor, builder, manager, broker, salesman, agent, employee, independent contractor, lending institution and all authorities, boards and commissions thereof.
PERSONAL RESIDENCE
A building or structure containing living quarters occupied or intended to be occupied by no more than two individuals, two groups or two families living independently or each other and use by the owner thereof as a bona fide residence for himself and any members of his family forming his household.
PROTECTED CLASS
Any person legally protected from discrimination based upon race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, familial status (in housing only), age, use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability of any individual or independent contractor, or because of the disability of an individual with whom the person is known to have an association.
PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION RESORT OR AMUSEMENT
Any place which is open to, accepts or solicits the patronage of the general public or offers goods or services to the general public, including loans, or is listed in the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, Section 4(1), but shall not include any personal professional services which are in their nature distinctly private.
REAL ESTATE-RELATED TRANSACTION
Any of the following:
A. 
The making or purchasing of loans or providing other financial assistance for purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing or maintaining a housing accommodation or commercial property; or
B. 
The purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing or maintaining a housing accommodation or commercial property; or
C. 
The selling, brokering, using as collateral or appraising of real property.
SEX
Male or female, and includes pregnancy.
SEXUAL ORIENTATION
Male or female homosexuality, heterosexuality and bisexuality, by preference, practice or as perceived by others, whether such perception is accurate.
It shall be unlawful employment practice, because of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability of any individual or independent contractor or because of the disability of an individual with whom the person is known to have an association:
A. 
For any employer to refuse to hire or employ or contract with, or to bar or to discharge from employment such individual or independent contractor, or to otherwise discriminate against such individual or independent contractor with respect to compensation, hire, tenure, terms, conditions or privileges of employment or contract, if the individual or independent contractor is the best able and most competent to perform the services required.
(1) 
The provision of this subsection shall not apply, to operation of the terms or conditions of any bona fide retirement or pension plan which have the effect of a minimum service requirement, age limitations placed upon entry into bona fide apprenticeship programs of two years or more approved by the State Apprenticeship and Training Council of the Department of Labor and Industry.
(2) 
Notwithstanding any provision of this section, it shall not be an unlawful employment practice for a religious corporation or association to hire or employ on the basis of sex in those certain instances where sex is a bona fide occupational qualification because of the religious beliefs, practices, or observances of the corporation, or association.
B. 
For any employer, employment agency, or labor organization, prior to the employment, contracting with an independent contractor or admission to membership, to:
(1) 
Elicit any information or make or keep a record of or use any form of application or application blank containing questions or entries concerning the protected class of any applicant for employment or membership. Prior to an offer of employment, an employer may not inquire as to whether an individual has a disability or as to the severity of such disability. An employer may inquire as to the individual's ability to perform the essential functions of the employment.
(2) 
Print or publish or cause to be printed or published any notice or advertisement relating to employment or membership indicating any preference, limitation, specification or discrimination based upon protected class.
(3) 
Deny or limit, through a quota system, employment or membership because of protected class.
(4) 
Substantially confine or limit recruitment or hiring of individuals, with intent to circumvent the spirit and purpose of this act, to any employment agency, employment service, labor organization, training school or training center or any other employee-referring source which services individuals who are predominantly of the same protected class.
(5) 
Deny employment because of a prior disability.
(6) 
To exclude or otherwise deny equal jobs or benefits to a person because of the disability of an individual with whom the person is known to have a relationship or association.
(7) 
For any labor organization because of protected class to deny full and equal membership rights to any individual or otherwise to discriminate against such individuals with respect to hire, tenure, terms, conditions or privileges of employment or any other matter, directly or indirectly, related to employment.
(8) 
For any person, employer, employment agency, or labor organization to discriminate in any manner against any individual because such individual has opposed any practice forbidden by this act, or because such individual has made a charge, testified or assisted, in any manner, in any investigation, proceeding or hearing under this act; or to aid, abet, incite, compel or coerce the doing of any act declared by this section to be an unlawful discriminatory practice, or to obstruct or prevent any person from complying with the provisions of this act or any order issued thereunder, or to attempt, directly or indirectly, to commit any act declared by this section to be an unlawful discriminatory practice.
(9) 
For any employment agency to fail or refuse to classify properly, refer for employment or otherwise to discriminate against any individual because of protected class.
(10) 
This section shall not be construed to prohibit the refusal to hire or the dismissal of a person who is not able to function properly in the job applied for or engage in.
(11) 
Nothing in this section shall bar any institution or organization for persons with disabilities from limiting or giving preference in employment or membership to disabled person.
It shall be unlawful housing practice for any person to:
A. 
Because of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, familial status (in housing only), age, use of a guide or support animal because of blindness or because the user is a handler or trainer of support or guide animals, deafness or physical disability of any individual or independent contractor or because of the disability of an individual with whom the person is known to have an association:
(1) 
Refuse to sell, lease, finance or otherwise to deny or withhold any housing accommodation or commercial property because of protected class to any person, prospective owner, occupant or user of such housing accommodation or commercial property.
(2) 
Evict or attempt to evict an occupant of any housing accommodation before the end of the term of a lease because of pregnancy or the birth of a child.
B. 
Refuse to lend money, whether or not secured by mortgage or otherwise for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, repair or maintenance of any housing accommodation or commercial property or otherwise withhold financing of any housing accommodation or commercial property from any person because of protected class.
C. 
Discriminate against any person in the terms or conditions of selling or leasing any housing accommodation or commercial property or in furnishing facilities, services or privileges in connection with the ownership, occupancy or use of any housing accommodation or commercial property because of protected class.
D. 
Refuse to permit, at the expense of a person with a disability, reasonable modifications of existing premises occupied or to be occupied by such person if such modification may be necessary to afford such person full enjoyment of the premises, except that, in the case of a rental the landlord may, where it is reasonable to do so, grant permission for a modification if the renter agrees to restore the interior of the premises to the condition that existed before the modification, with reasonable wear and tear excepted.
E. 
Refuse to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices or services when such accommodations may be necessary to afford such person equal opportunity to use and enjoy a housing accommodation.
F. 
Discriminate against any person in the terms or conditions of any loan of money, whether or not secured by mortgage or otherwise for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, repair or maintenance of housing accommodation or commercial property because of protected class.
G. 
Print, publish, circulate or cause to be made any statement or advertisement: relating to the sale, lease or acquisition of any housing accommodation or commercial property or the loan of money, whether or not secured by mortgage, or otherwise for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, repair or maintenance of any housing accommodation or commercial property which indicates any preference, limitation, specification, or discrimination based upon protected class.
H. 
Make any inquiry, elicit any information, make or keep any record or use any form of application, containing questions or entries concerning protected class in connection with the sale or lease of any housing accommodation or commercial property or loan of any money whether or not secured by mortgage or otherwise for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, repair or maintenance of any housing combination or commercial property.
I. 
Construct, operate, offer for sale, lease or rent or otherwise make available housing or commercial property which is not accessible.
It shall be unlawful real estate practice to:
A. 
Deny any person access to or membership or participation in any multiple listing service, real estate brokers' organization or other service, organization, or facility relating to the business of selling or renting dwellings or commercial property, or to discriminate against him in the terms or condition of such access, membership, or participation, on account of protected class.
B. 
For any person or other entity whose business includes engaging in real estate related transactions to discriminate against any person in making available such a transaction, or in the terms or conditions of such a transaction, because of protected class.
C. 
Induce, solicit or attempt to induce or solicit for commercial profit any listing, sale or transaction involving any housing accommodation or commercial property by representing that such housing accommodation or commercial property is within any neighborhood, community or area adjacent to any other area in which there reside, or do not reside, persons of any particular protected class.
D. 
Discourage, or attempt to discourage, the purchase or lease of any housing accommodation or commercial property by representing that such housing accommodation or commercial property is within any neighborhood, community or area adjacent to any other area in which there reside, or may in the future reside in increased or decreased numbers, persons of any protected class.
E. 
Misrepresent, steer, create or distort a circumstance, condition or incident for the purpose of fostering the impression or belief, on the part of any owner, occupant or prospective owner or occupant of any housing accommodation or commercial property, that such housing accommodation or commercial property is within any neighborhood, community or area adjacent to any other area which would be adversely impacted by the residence, or future increased or decreased residence, of persons of any protected class.
F. 
In any way misrepresent or otherwise misadvertise within a neighborhood or community, whether or not in writing, that any housing accommodation or commercial property within such neighborhood or community is available for inspection, sale, lease, sublease or other transfer, in any context where such misrepresentation or misadvertising would have the effect of fostering an impression or belief that there has been or will be an increase in real estate activity within such neighborhood or community due to the residence, or anticipated increased or decreased residence, of persons of any protected class.
G. 
For any person to harass, threaten, intimidate, harm, damage or otherwise penalize any person, group or business because he or they exercised or encouraged others to exercise their rights under this chapter, or because he or they have complied with the provisions of this chapter, or enjoyed the benefits of this chapter, or because he or they have made a charge, testified or assisted in any manner in any investigation, proceeding or hearing hereunder.
H. 
For any person to aid, abet, incite, induce, compel or coerce the doing of an unlawful practice prohibited by this chapter or to obstruct or prevent any person from complying with the provisions of this chapter or any order issued hereunder.
I. 
For any person who with intent to mislead in any proceeding under this Act to destroy or mutilate, falsify, alter or refuse to supply records and documents produced pursuant to subpoena or other lawful order under this section.
J. 
Exceptions:
(1) 
Nothing in this Act prohibits a person engaged in the business of furnishing appraisals of real property to take into consideration factors other than race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, use of a guide or support animal because of a physical disability or because the user is a handler or trainer of guide or support animals, or familial status.
(2) 
Nothing in this Act, regarding age or familial status, shall apply with respect to housing for older persons.
(3) 
Nothing in this Act shall prohibit a religious organization, association, or society, or any nonprofit institution or organization operated, supervised or controlled by or in conjunction with a religious organization, association, or society, from limiting the sale, rental or occupancy of dwellings which it owns operates for other than a commercial purpose to persons of the same religion, or from giving preference to such persons, unless membership in such religion is restricted on account of race, color, ancestry or national origin.
(4) 
Nothing in this Act shall prohibit a private club not in fact open to the public, which as an incident to its primary purpose or purposes provides lodgings which it owns or operates for other than a commercial purpose, from limiting the rental or occupancy of such lodgings to its members or from giving preference to its members.
(5) 
Nothing in this Act shall apply with respect to discrimination based on sex in the rental or leasing of housing accommodations in a single-sex dormitory.
It shall be unlawful public accommodation practice for any person being the owner, lessee, proprietor, manager, superintendent, agent or employee of any public accommodation, resort or amusement because of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, use of a guide or support animal because of blindness or the training of such animal, deafness or physical disability of any individual or independent contractor or because of the disability of an individual with whom the person is known to have an association to:
A. 
Refuse, withhold from or deny to any person because of protected class, either directly or indirectly, any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, services or privileges of such public accommodation, resort or amusement.
B. 
Publish, circulate, issue, display, post or mail, either directly or indirectly, any written or printed communication notice or advertisement to the effect that any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities and privileges of any such place shall be refused, withheld or denied to any person on account of protected class objectionable or not acceptable, desired or solicited.
C. 
Obstruct any person from enjoyment of his rights under this chapter relating to public accommodations.
D. 
Construct, operate or otherwise make available such place of public accommodation, resort or amusement which is not accessible.
A. 
Establishment.
(1) 
There is hereby established the Equal Opportunity Board of Crafton. It shall be composed of five members, who shall be residents of Crafton and shall be appointed by the Council of the Borough of Crafton ("Borough Council"). Members shall serve without compensation, except for payment of expenses. In the event the requirements of the position and/or availability of volunteers cannot be found within Crafton then the members need not be residents of Crafton but must be either a Crafton taxpayer, maintain a business, be employed or go to school in Crafton.
(2) 
Members shall be 18 years or older. The Borough Council shall initially appoint a member to serve a one-year term, a two-year term, a three-year term, a four-year term, and a five-year term. Thereafter, all terms shall be five-year terms. The Borough Council may remove members at any time for any reason.
B. 
Powers and duties. The Board is hereby vested with the authority to administer and enforce this chapter and to carry out the following powers and duties:
(1) 
To meet and function at any place within Crafton.
(2) 
To adopt, promulgate, amend and rescind rules and regulations to effect the policies and provisions of this chapter and to make recommendations to the Borough Council thereof to effect such policies;
(3) 
To initiate, receive, investigate and pass upon complaints charging unlawful discriminatory practices in violation of this chapter taking place within Crafton.
(4) 
To study the problems of discrimination and foster, through community effort or otherwise, good will among the groups and elements of the population of Crafton.
(5) 
To issue such publications and such results of investigations and research as, in its judgment, will tend to promote good will and minimize or eliminate discrimination.
(6) 
From time to time, but not less than once a year, to report to the Borough Council describing in detail the investigations, proceedings, hearings and studies it has conducted and their outcome, the decisions it has rendered and the other work performed by it, and make recommendations for such further legislation concerning abuses and discrimination.
(7) 
The exercise of any powers and duties are subject to and contingent upon the following:
(a) 
The Board must have a minimum of three active members;
(b) 
The Borough Crafton will have budgeted adequate funds for the Board to function;
(c) 
The Manager will have provided adequate staff for the Board to function;
(d) 
The Board will have adopted proper procedures and regulations as are necessary and desirable for it to function, which procedures and regulation have been approved by the solicitor;
(e) 
The powers and duties to be exercised are not the responsibility of or have been delegated to another party such as the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, through a work sharing agreement or memorandum of understanding or otherwise, and
(f) 
The Borough Council has certified to the Board that it is not pursuing such an agreement or memorandum and, in such event, the Borough Council will have also certified, which, if any, powers and duties the Borough Council wish the Board to exercise.
A. 
Filing a complaint. Any individual claiming to be aggrieved or showing evidence an injury is about to occur by an unlawful discriminatory practice, may make, sign and file with the Board a verified complaint in writing which shall state the name and address of the person or persons alleged to have committed the unlawful practice and the particulars thereof. The complaint shall also contain such other information as may be required by the Board. The Board, upon its own initiative, may in like manner sign and file a complaint.
B. 
Amendment. The complainant shall have the power reasonably and fairly to amend any complaint.
C. 
Time period for filing a complaint. Any complaint filed pursuant to this section must be so filed within 180 days after the alleged act of discrimination, unless otherwise required by the Fair Housing Act.
D. 
Withdrawing a complaint. Any complaint may be withdrawn at any time by the party filing the complaint.
E. 
Initial action/preliminary investigation:
(1) 
After the filing of any complaint, the Board shall take one or more of the following actions:
(a) 
Referral to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. Referral shall always be required if the Borough of Crafton is or may become a party. Referral shall also be required unless the conditions in § 95-2 are met.
(b) 
Investigation. Investigation may be appropriate when there is reason to believe an unlawful discriminatory practice has been committed. The Board may make a prompt investigation. In the conduct of such investigation the Board may issue subpoenas to any person charged with an unlawful practice to furnish information, records or other documents. The Board may seek enforcement of its subpoena by petition to the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County.
(c) 
Conciliation.
(d) 
Notice of dismissal.
(e) 
Hearing.
(2) 
The Board shall send a copy of the complaint to the named respondent within 30 days from the date of docketing the complaint, unless otherwise required by the Fair Housing Act.
(3) 
A respondent shall file a written, verified answer to the complaint within 30 days of service of the complaint, unless otherwise required by the Fair Housing Act. The Board, upon request of the respondent, may grant an extension of not more than 30 additional days, unless otherwise required by the Fair Housing Act.
(4) 
After service of the complaint, the Board shall encourage voluntary and informed predetermination settlements between parties.
F. 
Notice of dismissal. If it shall be determined after that there is no basis for the allegations of the complaint, the Board shall, within 10 days from such determination, cause to be issued and served upon the complainant written notice of such determination. The notices shall also state that the complaint will be dismissed unless within 10 days after such service the complainant or his attorney file, with the Board, a request for a review. The Board shall, upon request for such a review, provide the complainant and his attorney, if any, an opportunity to appear before the Board, a member thereof or a staff representative of the Board, at the election of the Board to present such additional information as may be available to support the allegations of the complaint.
G. 
Conciliation. If the parties agree or the Board determines that mediation will be useful, including when probable cause exists for the allegations of the complaint, the Board shall immediately endeavor to schedule a mediation to eliminate the unlawful practice complained of by persuasion, conference and conciliation. The Board and staff shall not disclose identities of the parties except as required by the Fair Housing Act. Mediation may be conducted by one member of the Equal Opportunity Board or a third party appointed by the Board.
H. 
Establishment of hearing:
(1) 
If the Board, in its discretion, finds it is not possible to address or eliminate such unlawful practices by conference, conciliation and persuasion, the Board shall cause to be issued and served a written notice of, together with a copy of such complaint as the same may have been amended requiring the party named in such complaint, hereinafter referred to as respondent, to answer the charges of such complaint at a hearing before the Board at a time and place to be specified in such notice. The Board may appoint a hearing examiner or designate one or more of its members to preside at such a meeting.
(2) 
When notice of hearing is given as set forth in § 95-8H(1) and an election procedure is required by the Fair Housing Act, either party may elect, as an alternative to Public Hearing before the Board, to have the claims asserted in the complaint decided in a civil action brought under the original jurisdiction of Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. The written notice of the Board shall be sent to all parties and will inform them of their right to take civil action. An election must be made within 20 days after receipt of the notice of hearing. A party making this election shall notify the Board and all other parties. If an election for civil action is made by either party, the Board shall, within 30 days from the date of election, dismiss the complaint without prejudice or may commence and maintain a civil action on behalf of the Complainant. In any action brought under this subsection:
(a) 
If, after a trial, Court of Common Pleas finds that a respondent engaged in or is engaging in any unlawful discriminatory practice as defined in this act, the Court may award attorney's fees and costs to the complainant on whose behalf the Board commenced the action in addition to attorney's fees and costs incurred by the Board.
(b) 
If, after a trial, Court of Common Pleas finds that a respondent has not engaged in or is not engaging in any unlawful discriminatory practice as defined in this act, the Court may award attorney's fees and costs to the prevailing respondent if the respondent proves that the complaint upon which the civil action was based was brought in bad faith.
I. 
Hearing. The case in support of the complaint shall be presented to the Board or before a hearing examiner designated by the Board for the purpose of hearing said complaint. The respondent may appear at such hearing in person or otherwise, with or without counsel, and submit testimony. The complainant may likewise appear at such hearing in person or otherwise, with or without counsel, and submit testimony. The Board or the complainant shall have the power reasonably and fairly to amend any complaint, and the respondent shall have like power to amend any answer. The Board shall not be bound by the strict rules of evidence prevailing in courts of law or equity. The testimony taken at the hearing shall be under oath and be transcribed.
J. 
Findings:
(1) 
If upon all evidence at the hearing, the Board shall find that a respondent has engaged in or is engaging in any unlawful discriminatory practice as defined in this act, the Board shall state its findings of fact, and shall issue and cause to be served on such respondent an order requiring such respondent to cease and desist from such unlawful discriminatory practice and to take such affirmative action, including, but not limited to, reimbursement of certifiable travel expenses in matters involving the complaint, compensation for loss of work in matters involving the complaint, hiring, reinstatement or upgrading of employees, with or without back pay, admission or restoration to membership in any respondent labor organization, the making of reasonable accommodations, or selling or leasing specified housing accommodations or commercial property upon such equal terms and conditions and with such equal facilities, services and privileges or lending money, whether or not secured by mortgage or otherwise for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, repair or maintenance of housing accommodations or commercial property, upon such equal terms and conditions to any person discriminated against or all persons, any other verifiable, reasonable out-of-pocket expenses caused by unlawful discriminatory practice, or other compensation as provided under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 43 P.S. § 951 et seq.
(2) 
In those cases alleging a violation of § 95-4 or 95-5 and violations of the Fair Housing Act, the Board may award actual damages including damages caused by humiliation and embarrassment as, in the judgment of the Board, will effectuate the purposes of this act, and including a requirement for report of the manner of compliance.
(a) 
If upon all the evidence at the hearing, in those cases alleging a violation of § 95-4 or 95-5, the Board finds that a respondent has engaged in or is engaging in any unlawful discriminatory practice as defined in this act, the Board may award attorney's fees and costs to prevailing complainants.
(b) 
If upon all the evidence at the hearing, in those cases alleging a violation of § 95-4 or 95-5, the Board finds that a respondent has not engaged in or is not engaging in any unlawful discriminatory practice as defined in this act, the Board may award attorney's fees and costs to a prevailing respondent if the respondent proves that the complaint was brought in bad faith.
K. 
Commonwealth license. When the respondent is a licensee of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Board shall inform the appropriate state licensing authority of the order with the request that the licensing authority take such action as it deems appropriate against such licensee.
L. 
Complaint dismissal. If, upon all the evidence, the Board shall find that a respondent has not engaged in any such unlawful discriminatory practice, the Board shall state its findings of fact, and shall issue and cause to be served on the complainant an order dismissing the said complaint as to such respondent.
M. 
Rules and records of hearing. The Board may establish rules of practice to govern, expedite and effectuate the foregoing procedure and its own actions thereunder. Three or more members of the Board or a hearing examiner designated by the Board shall constitute the Board for any hearing required to be held by the Board under this act. The recommended findings, conclusions and order made by said members or hearing examiner shall be reviewed and approved or reversed by the Board before such order may be served upon the parties to the complaint. The recommended findings, conclusions and order made by said members or hearing examiner shall become a part of the permanent record of the proceeding and shall accompany any order served upon the parties to the complaint.
If any clause, sentence, paragraph or part of this act, or the application thereof, to any person or circumstance, shall, for any reason be adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder of this act nor the application of such clause, sentence, paragraph or part to other persons or circumstances, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph or part thereof and to the persons or circumstances directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered. It is hereby declared to be the legislative intent that this act would have been adopted had such provisions not been included or such persons or circumstances been expressly excluded from their coverage.
A. 
Injunction. If the Board concludes, at any time following the filing of a complaint under this chapter, that prompt judicial action is necessary to prevent immediate and irreparable harm, the Board may commence an action in Court of Common Pleas, and that court may grant an appropriate preliminary or special injunction pending final disposition of the complaint. Any such order or relief shall be granted in accordance with Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure Section 1531.
B. 
Enforcement.
(1) 
The complainant, or the Board may secure enforcement of the order of the Board or other appropriate relief. When the Board has heard and decided any complaint brought before it, enforcement of its order shall be initiated by the filing of a petition in court, together with a transcript of the record of the hearing before the Board, and issuance and service of a copy of said petition as in proceedings in equity.
(2) 
The Board's copy of the testimony shall be available at all reasonable times to all parties for examination without cost, and for the purpose of enforcement or judicial review of the order. Any failure to obey an order of the court may be punishable by such court as contempt thereof.
C. 
Enforcement by private person.
(1) 
In cases involving a claim of discrimination, if a complainant invokes the procedures set forth in this act, that individual's right of action in the courts of the Commonwealth shall not be foreclosed. If within one year after the filing of a complaint with the Board, the Board dismisses the complaint or for whatever reason, closes the complainant's case, or has not entered into a conciliation agreement to which the complainant is a party, the Board must so notify the complainant. On receipt of such a notice the complainant shall be able to bring an action in the Courts of Common Pleas of the Commonwealth based on the right to freedom from discrimination granted by this act.
(2) 
An action under this subsection shall be filed within two years after the date of notice from the Board closing the complaint. Any complaint so filed shall be served on the Board at the time the complaint is filed in court. The Board shall notify the complainant of this requirement.
(3) 
If the court finds that the respondent has engaged in or is engaging in an unlawful discriminatory practice charged in the complaint, the court shall enjoin the respondent from engaging in such unlawful discriminatory practice and order affirmative action which may include, but is not limited to, reinstatement or hiring of employees, granting of back pay, or any other legal or equitable relief as the court deems appropriate. Back pay liability shall not accrue from a date more than three years prior to the filing of a complaint charging violations of this act.
(4) 
The court shall serve upon the Board any final order issued in any action brought under this subsection.
(a) 
If, after a trial held pursuant to § 95-10C, the Court of Common Pleas finds that a defendant engaged in or is engaging in any unlawful discriminatory practice as defined in this act, the court may award attorney's fees and costs as provided under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act,[1] to the prevailing plaintiff.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 43 P.S. § 951 et seq.
(b) 
If, after a trial held pursuant to § 95-10C, the Court of Common Pleas finds that a defendant has not engaged in or is not engaging in any unlawful discriminatory practice as defined in this act, the court may award attorney's fees and costs to the prevailing defendant if the defendant proves that the complaint was brought in bad faith.
D. 
Penalties. Any person who shall willfully resist, prevent, impede or interfere with the Board, its members, agents or agencies in the performance of duties pursuant to this act, or shall willfully violate an order of the Board, shall be guilty of a summary offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $600.
E. 
Construction. The provisions of this act shall be construed liberally for the accomplishment of the purposes thereof and any law inconsistent with any provisions hereof shall not apply.
F. 
The time limits for filing under any complaint or other pleading under this act shall be subject to waiver, estoppel and equitable tolling.
G. 
Except as otherwise provided, any order of the Board may be reviewed under the provisions of the Act of December 2, 1968, P.L. 1133 (53 P.S. § 11300) known as the "Local Agency Law," as amended.
H. 
Where a provision of this chapter is found to be in conflict with a provision of any other ordinance of the Borough of Crafton, or in any regulation issued under the authority of such ordinance, the provisions which establish the higher standard for the protection of health, safety and welfare shall prevail.