Pennsylvania's House State Government Committee pulled consideration of an amendment banning same-sex marriage today, Politics PA reports:
News broke a few minutes ago that the House State Government Committee will delay its vote on HB 1434, known as the “Marriage Protection” amendment, proposed by State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler). The legislation, which drew intense criticism from gay rights advocates, would establish an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution that would redefine marriage as “the legal union of only one man and one woman.”
Metcalfe currently serves as the State Government Committee chair.
When he introduced the legislation in May, Metcalfe cited the Obama administration's decision not to use federal resources to defend the Defense of Marriage Act in court.
Rep. Babette Josephs (D-Phila) yesterday called on Metcalfe to withdraw it from the 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.”
John Micek at the Morning Call reports: "One suspects that timing may have only been part of the panel's reason for delaying action. Civil rights and gay and lesbian advocates packed the room, clearing expecting some fireworks. A House security guard was also stationed outside the door of the meeting room."
