Doyle Supports PA Marriage Equality Lawsuit

Statement

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (D-PA-14) released the following statement in support of a lawsuit demanding marriage equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered (LGBT) couples in Pennsylvania. This lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania today on behalf of 23 Pennsylvanians who want to marry in Pennsylvania or want the commonwealth to recognize their out-of-state marriages.

"I believe that all Americans, regardless of their sexual preference or gender identity, should have the right to marry the person they love and have their legal commitment to each other recognized throughout the United States. Consequently, I was pleased by the Supreme Court's recent rejection of the Defense of Marriage Act and Proposition 8. With that court decision, the battle has shifted to each of the States that still refuses to recognize marriage equality.

"Sadly, Pennsylvania is one of the states that has yet to repeal their laws prohibiting marriage equality.

"I strongly believe that same-sex couples deserve the same economic and legal rights under Pennsylvania law as they have now under federal law and the laws of 13 other states. That's why I want to express my support for the lawsuit filed in a federal court today on behalf of LGBT couples' right to marriage equality in Pennsylvania. I want Pennsylvania to be a leader in LGBT rights, not a laggard."

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