In Brief

Staff Reports

UPDATE: Pennsylvania House Committee Abruptly Yanks Anti-Same-Sex Marriage Bill Minutes Before Hearing

HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA -- The House State Government Committee abruptly delayed its vote on Republican legislator Daryl Metcalfe's measure that would establish an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution, redefining marriage as “the legal union of only one man and one woman.”

HB 1434, known as the “Marriage Protection” amendment, received intense criticism from LGBTQ Equality Rights advocates across the state and nationally in a campaign launched by Equality Pennsylvania.

Metcalfe, who currently serves as the committee's chair, came under withering criticism from former committee chair Democratic Representative Babette Josephs of Philadelphia. Yesterday, Josephs publicly argued that Rep. Daryl Metcalfe should be pressured to remove from the committee’s agenda.

I call on the gentleman from Butler County to withdraw this discriminatory backward legislation,” Josephs said. “Instead of finding ways to create jobs and promote a healthier, more prosperous Commonwealth, Harrisburg Republicans have started a war on women’s health and now they’re attacking committed LGBT couples and families all over the country.” Josephs has introduced separate legislation to give legal recognition to same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania.

Ted Martin, Executive Director of Equality Pennsylvania, the state's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) political advocacy organization suggested a different motive for the bill: presidential election year politics. Philadelphia’s City Paper quoted Martin saying; “People know this kind of stuff incites a certain base of people. But I think there are people who are really true believers, who see Pennsylvania slowly being surrounded by states with marriage equality,” which alarms them.

Martin argues that the amendment is “more restrictive” than it seems. “It would outlaw any discussion of domestic partnership benefits and civil unions in Pennsylvania,” he said.

Capital observers in Harrisburg agree that such an amendment is a long shot owing to the fact that any amendment to the state's Constitution must pass both chambers of the General Assembly during two consecutive sessions and then pass a public ballot referendum.

Tennessee Republican Governor Wishes Don't Say Gay Bill Gets Laid Aside By Lawmakers

Tennessee GOP Governor Bill Haslam 

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE -- Tennessee GOP Governor Bill Haslam reiterated his position to Nashville Public radio that he thinks the so-called "Don't Say Gay" bill is a distraction, and that lawmakers have more important things to work on. Haslam says he’s also talked a few times with Republican Representative Joey Hensley, the proposal’s sponsor.

The Governor said; “He knows and understands that, as I’ve said before, is not something I think is particularly helpful or needed right now. Again, I think the state already has rules in place about what can be taught.” told WPLN that the bill "is not something I think is particularly helpful or needed right now."

"It's no secret we've been part of talks there, and I've said from the very beginning I think there's better things for the legislature to occupy themselves with right now. We would love to see the legislature focus on some other issues right now."

Politcal wonks in Nashville are quoted as saying there are no signs that House Republicans are listening to the Governor.