PENNSYLVANIA: State GOP Rep Plans Constitutional Ban On Gay Marriage

Pennsylvania GOP state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe plans to introduce a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. Via press release from Equality Pennsylvania, here is Melcalfe’s announcement:

This constitutional amendment will eliminate confusion as to what constitutes a legal marriage, and it will also designate marriage as the only type of union that will be legally recognized in Pennsylvania. The language contained in my legislation is modeled after Florida’s marriage protection amendment, which was approved by more than 60 percent of Florida voters in 2008. To date, voters in 30 states have ratified similar amendments to their state constitution. It is important that we support traditional marriage and have constitutional amendments to protect it at the state level. Marriage is a common good, not a special interest. Special interests should not have the right to redefine marriage for all of us.

Equality Pennsylvania adds:

In April 2012, Equality Pennsylvania stopped a similar effort dead in its tracks getting the proposed amendment removed from consideration. In 2013, we intend a repeat performance if this ugly and mean-spirited proposal rears its head. That’s our guarantee. But we’ll only be able to do that if we are around, and that means we need operating funds to continue the fight. If you share our values and want us to continue fighting against this and other anti-LGBT efforts in Harrisburg, then please be generous TODAY and make a donation. Let’s stop Daryl Metcalfe in the new year.

(Tipped by JMG reader David)