HARRISBURG (June 28, 2007) - Three resolutions developed by the Pennsylvania Bar Association Civil and Equal Rights Committee were approved June 22 by the PBA's policy-making body, the House of Delegates, at the PBA Annual Meeting in Philadelphia.

The following resolutions are now official positions of the PBA:

• The PBA supports an amendment that would add sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to the list of protected classes found within the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.
• The PBA supports bills similar to S.185, S.186 and HR267 to restore the right to petition for habeas corpus to those persons held in U.S. custody without charge.
• The PBA supports federal government enforcement of immigration law and ongoing efforts to develop and enact comprehensive immigrations reform legislation and opposes local and state laws or regulations seeking to regulate immigration or immigrants.

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association strives to promote justice, professional excellence and respect for the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 29,000 lawyers who are members of the association.

Editor's Note: PBA President Andrew F. Susko and PBA members who worked on the resolutions are available for interviews. Please call the PBA Communications Department at 800-932-0311 for more information.