Civil Rights
Separation of Church and State:
I was instrumental in keeping the Department of Education from adopting regulations that would have allowed the teaching of creationism/ "intelligent design" as science in the public schools. I opposed proposals by the school board in Dover to direct science students to "intelligent design" materials.
I was the only member of the House of Representatives who voted against mandatory daily prayer in public schools and the forced daily recitation of the pledge of allegiance to the flag in public and private sectarian schools. Editorials all over the state commended my position.
Equal Rights:
I support same-sex marriage. I was one of the few members (out of 203) who voted against legislation that defined marriage as a union only between a man and a woman.
I support adding "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
Along with a bipartisan coalition, I halted legislation, which would have made English the state's official language, thus treating recent immigrants and those for whom English is a second language as second-class citizens.
I do not believe the state ought to be executing individuals who are not mentally able to understand their responsibility for crimes they commit.
Open Information:
I am a vocal opponent to the censuring of internet materials available to adults in public libraries.
I believe young people must be given the real facts about human sexuality and the ways to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. I strenuously oppose abstinence only education.
I opposed amendments to the adoption law, which made it difficult or impossible for adult adoptees to locate their biological parents.
Increasing Voter Turnout:
I am fighting legislation, which would suppress urban, minority, and senior voters by requiring photo identification each and every time a citizen votes.
Protecting Women:
I am a co-sponsor of legislation, which would direct hospital personnel to offer emergency contraception to sexual assault survivors; I also support legislation that would order health insurers that cover medications also to cover contraceptive devices and services for subscribers who request them.
I am the founder of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Abortion Rights Action League.