The Associated Press
State Sen. Vince Hughes said court cases and judicial decisions ultimately will determine the practical effect of the proposal he sponsored, but he sees the amendment as a step in the right direction.
An analysis for voters by the state attorney general's office said the measure would increase protections against discrimination, including that which unintentionally affects people of color. Race-conscious programs that increase equality, the agency said, will still be permitted. The amendment would apply to state, county and local government entities.
The practical effect of the one-sentence racial equality amendment may not be clear for years, perhaps until the state Supreme Court weighs in. But state Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward is among those who believe it will not have a major impact because it does nothing more than mirror existing anti-discrimination standards under the U.S. Constitution's equal protection clause.
The ACLU of Pennsylvania said the amendment could have lasting impact on a wide range of policies, if it allows state courts to rule against government entities for inaction that has denied equality of rights. One example could be addressing disparities in education funding and programs.
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