PA House Introduces Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment

January 24, 2006

HARRISBURG — Republican leaders reintroduced a proposed amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution limiting marriage to one man-one woman. The proposed ban also includes language that prohibits the Commonwealth from creating or recognizing a legal status that provide same-sex couples with equivalent rights.

The proposed amendment would prohibit the recognition of domestic partnerships, such as New Jersey's, or civil unions, such as Connecticut or Vermont. It is not clear whether the amendment would prohibit the recognition of any agreements arising from domestic partnerships or civil unions, such as property settlement agreements resulting from domestic partnership terminations, or child custody and support agreements, etc.

House Bill 2381 was introduced by Rep. Scott Boyd (R-Lancaster) and 88 co-sponsors. It has been referred to the state government committee. Senate Majority Leader David Brightbill (R-Berks, Chester, Dauphin, Lancaster and Lebanon) is supporting a companion bill that will be introduced by Sen. Bob Regola (R-Westmoreland).

In order to amend the state constitution in Pennsylvania, an amendment must be passed by both the House and the Senate in two consecutive sessions and then placed on the ballot for a statewide vote.

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