Judge John E. Jones ruled that Pennsylvania’s laws barring loving, supportive gay & lesbian couples from civil marriage violate the due process & equal protection clauses of the U.S. Constitution. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett has decided not to appeal the district court ruling striking down the commonwealth’s ban on marriage equality. Which makes Pennsylvania the 19th state where marriage equality is the law joining 18 other states & the District of Columbia. Governor Corbett stated, “I have thoroughly reviewed Judge Jones’ opinion in the Whitewood case. Given the high legal threshold set forth by Judge Jones in this case, the case is extremely unlikely to succeed on appeal. Therefore, after review of the opinion & on the advice of my Commonwealth legal team, I have decided not to appeal Judge Jones’ decision.” John Lewis, Marriage Equality USA Legal & Policy Director stated, “Since the United States Supreme Court struck down DOMA last year, the verdict of all 13 federal trial courts who have addressed marriage equality has been unanimous: liberty & justice for all. Governor Corbett's decision today is particularly significant because it shows that all branches of our government and society are now embracing the freedom to marry.” Brian Silva MEUSA Executive Director concluded, "As the momentum for equality under the law accelerates day after day, we know this is no time to rest but rather a critical moment in time to redouble our efforts to win full equality in all aspects of our lives for all Americans. This latest in the unbroken series of recent victories comes thanks to the hard work of the coalition led by the ACLU, our partners Marriage Equality for Pennsylvania & our personal stories that are changing the hearts & minds of America every day."
Congrats Pennsylvania!! :)
For More Info: marriageequality.org
LISTEN: ESPN Sports Writer Kate Fagan Speaks OUT
Hear Audio Interviews w/ LGBT Leaders @OUTTAKE VOICES™
OUTTAKE VOICES™ NOW ON HUFF POST...:)
SUPPORT OUTTAKE™ @ OUR EQUALITY STORE
No comments:
Post a Comment