HARRISBURG, July 8, 2009 - State Sen. Daylin Leach, Delaware/ Montgomery, today gathered with supporters at the Capitol Building to introduce Senate Bill 935 which would offer full and equal marriage rights to same-sex couples in Pennsylvania. Under the bill, Pennsylvania would also recognize same-sex marriages conducted in other states.
“Six states and 25 countries have already decided to step into the 21st century and finally recognize the civil rights of all couples. Now it is Pennsylvania’s time,” Leach said. “We must end the unjust and hurtful discrimination that denies gay and lesbian Pennsylvanians the benefits we offer married couples to encourage monogamy, stability and responsible parenthood.”
Senate Bill 935 would not require religious institutions to recognize any marriages that they do not wish to sanction, but Leach said his legislation would dissolve all of the barriers to building families that gay and lesbian couples currently face.
Senate Bill 935 is cosponsored by state Sens. Larry Farnese, D-Philadelphia, and Jim Ferlo, D-Allegheny/Westmoreland/Armstrong.
Today’s press conference featured remarks from leaders in the GLBT community, gay and lesbian Pennsylvanians and state lawmakers.
In an email to supporters, Michael Morrill, Executive Director of Keystone Progress, noted his support of Leach’s legislation and said the addition of two co-sponsors is “great news.” He added, “This brings us to three courageous senators who will be standing up to legalize same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania.”
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