UPDATE: PA Senate Bill 1250

• Particularly:

§ 29.  Marriage.   
No union other than
a marriage between
one man and one woman
shall be valid or recognized 
as marriage or the 
functional equivalent 
of marriage
by the Commonwealth. 

no civil unions 
no common law marriages 
no domestic partnerships

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.

• RELATED LINK: 365 Gay.com article

If you live in Pennsylvania: