Pennsylvania officials took a historic step by advancing a proposed rule that for the first time would extend the state’s anti-discrimination laws to include discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Developed by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, the proposed rule appeared in the April 9 issue of the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The proposed rule spells out the definitions of sex, race, and religious creed under state laws barring discrimination in employment, housing, education, commercial property, and public accommodations. A state panel called the Independent Regulatory Review Commission is taking comments on the proposal until May 9.