Philadelphia has three new anti-discrimination laws aimed at protecting trans and nonbinary people on the books. Last Thursday, Mayor Jim Kenney signed three ordinances that mandate government buildings install gender-neutral bathrooms, and that schools train staff on issues related to gender identity.

“As government officials, we must advocate for our marginalized communities,” Kenney wrote on his Twitter account. “These progressive bills protect the rights of our LGBTQ+ community by ensuring that City services are accessible to people of all genders and sexual identities.”

The trio of bills, introduced by council member Helen Gym, update the city’s Fair Practices Ordinance, which bars discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and housing.

Per one of the bills, schools in the city must regularly train staff on gender identity issues and post the city’s anti-discrimination policy. A second bill updates the city’s pre-existing nondiscrimination laws to be inclusive of nonbinary and gender nonconforming residents.

A third, requires the city install gender-neutral bathrooms in every building the city owns during construction or renovation. City Hall must have gender-neutral bathrooms on every floor, and the city of Philadelphia is required to keep a tally of gender-neutral restrooms under its ownership. That law takes effect six months from October 31, 2019.

While Pennsylvania doesn’t have specific LGBTQ anti-discrimination protections on the books, the state has interpreted its ban on sex discrimination to cover LGBTQ people. Philly also saw Henry Sias—a local lawyer and transgender activist—run for a judicial seat on the city's Court of Common Pleas earlier this year. (Sias ultimately lost his bid, but his run was still historic.)

Meanwhile, one transgender Philadelphian has lost her life to hate-motivated violence this year: activist Michelle "Tamika" Washington, who was shot and killed in March.