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Legislators release statement on proposed legislation for constitutional amendment on marriage

HARRISBURG, March 14 -- "Next week the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider S.B. 1250, the proposed constitutional amendment that would bar legal recognition of same-sex marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships in Pennsylvania. We think it is timely to restate our firm opposition to this proposal.

"We do not believe that discrimination should be written into our state constitution. Pennsylvania does not need to treat gay and lesbian people as second-class citizens. We welcome and value all of our citizens and we support efforts to make this state a place where everybody will want to live, work and visit.

"This week the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has focused on the priorities of the people of Pennsylvania. Our voters care about the economy, energy efficiency, environmental protection and health care, and we are acting on those issues. While there was vigorous debate, it was on legislation that can make a positive difference in the lives of all Pennsylvanians.

"This constitutional amendment is simply not a pressing matter. The institution of marriage is not threatened in Pennsylvania. We had this debate two years ago and it is time to move on. Let's use our collective minds and energy to make Pennsylvania a better place for everyone.

"We remain firmly committed to addressing the important needs of the people we represent. We urge our colleagues in the Senate to stay focused on moving Pennsylvania forward. We certainly intend to do that in the House."

-- State Reps. Babette Josephs and Dan Frankel

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