Marriage Protection Amendment Petition

Pennsylvania still lacks a Marriage Protection Amendment. Our Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) could be overturned by a court order even as Iowa’s was last year. Currently a real threat looms as Maryland and New York are poised to legalize same-sex marriage. All it would take is one Pennsylvania “gay couple” crossing the state line into one of these two states, getting “married” and coming back here demanding that PA recognize their “marriage.” In fact, they can currently travel anywhere same-sex marriage is legal, get married, come back to PA and challenge our DOMA. A lawsuit challenging DOMA would ensue and the matter would end up in the hands of the PA Supreme Court. Can they be trusted to make the right decision?

To help get the attention of our state legislators about the need for a strong Marriage Protection Amendment, please sign our online petition. This is not a 'legal petition,' but simply an 'opinion petition' meaning that it will be used to let state legislators know that citizens in Pennsylvania see the need for a Marriage Protection Amendment. This method is being used because our Constitution does not permit 'petition and referendum,' thus we cannot have a 'legal petition' to force a constitutional amendment onto the ballot. The names/addresses of those who sign will be delivered to their respective State Senator and State Representative.

According to Article XI of Pennsylvania's Constitution an amendment to the Constitution can be introduced in either the House or Senate and passed in both chambers by a simple majority. The same amendment language must be introduced and passed in the following session and then the amendment goes to the people for a vote. A simple majority vote of the people will protect marriage between one man and one woman through a constitutional amendment.

(Remember if you do not want your name to appear on our webpage, then check the box beside "Do not display name on website.")

Nicholas, 601 Buhler Court, Yes