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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Dan Frankel |
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Pa. LGBT Equality Caucus leaders hail Obama support for marriage equality
HARRISBURG, May 10 – The co-chairmen of the LGBT Equality Caucus in the Pennsylvania legislature today praised President Obama's announcement that he supports civil marriage equality for same-sex couples.
State Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., said, "Many places that already permit same-sex marriage -- New York, Maryland, D.C. and others -- are geographically close to Pennsylvania. We will be losing valuable citizens to these other states because of our backward ways; the image of Pennsylvania will continue to be tarnished. The president is a religious and conservative man, as are the people of Pennsylvania. In increasing numbers, they think that same-sex marriage is only fair. I agree with Mr. Obama and the growing numbers of Pennsylvanians."
State Sen. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery/Delaware, said, "I commend President Obama for publicly supporting the marriage equality movement - a movement that is gaining traction every day. He is the first sitting president to endorse same-sex marriage, and will go down in history as a champion in the ongoing movement for true equality. I am hopeful that by standing up for what is right, the president will encourage others to do the same."
State Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, said, "These heartfelt, brave words from the president are historic. They recognize a basic truth – that people who want to commit to building a life and family together should have the ability to do so.
"I’ve been married 30 years. My fellow Pennsylvanians deserve the same opportunity for a committed relationship that I have had with my wife. They deserve the same legal and financial peace of mind, joy and stability that marriage brings for my family, and for other families throughout Pennsylvania.
"The president stated that his position has evolved. Pennsylvanians, too, are evolving on this matter. Polls have shown increasing and overwhelming public support year after year for federal and state legislation, such as my House Bill 300, that would protect our LGBT family members, friends and neighbors from discrimination.
"Young people simply don’t understand why it would ever be okay to discriminate – whether that’s for housing, a job, a seat at a restaurant, or in the right to marry. I hope that our laws will soon catch up with the public. I’m proud that the leadership of our country is already there."