Remember we spoke about the “Marriage Protection” amendment that they were trying to get passed in Pennsylvania that would change the state consititution to basically ban any kind of civil union, domestic partnership, etc.

Well it is now stalled in the Senate. This in no way, shape or form means that it’s over….please read the email that I’m posting below that is from Equality Advocates Pennsylvania. It will give you more detail and tell you what’s next.

“S.B. 1250 Stalled in Senate!

Dear Carey,

Last night, the Pennsylvania Senate voted to “Table” the proposed constitutional amendment that would have banned marriages for same-sex couples, civil unions and possibly more for all unmarried couples.

SB 1250 is now off the voting calendar and can not be considered unless there is another vote to move it back on the calendar.

The prime sponsor of the legislation, Sen. Michael Brubaker (R-Lancaster), stated that he was proposing the legislation be tabled because the Speaker of the House, Dennis O’Brien (R-Philadelphia), was going to assign the legislation to the House State Government Committee if it passed the Senate. The House State Government Committee is chaired by Rep. Babette Josephs (D-Philadelphia), a strong supporter of the LGBT community, who is opposed to the legislation. Rep. Josephs has stated that she would not move the legislation out of committee.

It is important for everyone to understand that the bill is STALLED, not DEAD. Sen. Brubaker said that if the House indicates that the bill will go to another committee or that it is interested in voting on the bill, the Senate will bring it to the floor for a vote.

So we need you to call or email your state Representative now and tell them to oppose SB1250. Visit our Legislator Locater to find the name and phone number of your state Representative — please click on the “state” tab above the legislators pictures for your state elected officials.

Your calls and emails also had an impact. Many Senators were losing their enthusiasm for the legislation due to strong constituent opposition. We need to deliver the same message to the House.

Equality Advocates Pennsylvania was working hard in the Capitol to defeat this legislation last night and we will be there until this legislation is defeated. I would like to thank all of the members of the Value All Families Coalition and other allies for their hard work and dedication.

Send a letter to the following decision maker(s):
Your Representative (if you live in Pennsylvania)

Below is the sample letter:

Subject: Please Oppose Any Efforts to Move SB 1250 Out of Committee!

Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],

As your constituent, I urge you not to support SB 1250, the so-called “Marriage Protection Amendment,” or any other Constitutional Amendment that would deny legal recognition of unmarried families.

Senate Bill 1250 was tabled on May 6 in the Pennsylvania Senate. Please oppose any action to move this bill to the House!

I do not support the so-called “Pennsylvania Marriage Protection Amendment,” and ask you to oppose it.

Please help to protect all Pennsylvania families and not harm some by writing discrimination into Pennsylvania’s Constitution, a document created to expand rights, not limit them.

Pennsylvania law already stops gay and lesbian couples from marrying. This amendment, therefore, is not necessary.

For the well-being of all Pennsylvanians, please vote against Senate Bill 1250 and writing discrimination into our Commonwealth’s Constitution.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Carey Buck”

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It’s me again folks…..listen it really is super important for you to all actively participate in this entire process. Your futures depend on it! My partner and I were at the committee hearing last week and we went to our senators and expressed our opposition to the bill. We also called our Senator and Representatives yesterday and expressed our opposition again.

Please, please take 5 minutes out of your day to do the same. Just use that legislation locator above and find your rep and give them a buzz. Also, ask your friends and family members that live in PA to do the same. I just had lunch with my father today and was explaining to him everything that was going on with this and he was pissed! So you know he’ll make a call (my mom has been sending letters for quite some time now in regards to GLBT issues)….I’m sure your folks will too and anyone else that cares about you. It really is THAT important.

Send your letters but please, don’t forget to pick up the phone and speak to someone. If you can’t get your rep, leave your message with one of their aides or why not stop by their district office?? There is a lot that you can do and it doesn’t take that much time. Hey, I was painting my house yesterday but I took 5 minutes out of my day to make those 2 phone calls. It was a cinch. Please do the same.

Thanks everyone for your support thus far…let’s keep it going!

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Posted under Gay Relationships, Government, gay marriage, glbt rights