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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Babette Josephs |
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Josephs introduces Marriage Equality Act
Bill would recognize same-sex partnerships equal to marriage
HARRISBURG, Sept. 20 – State Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., has introduced a bill that would put same-sex relationships on par with heterosexual couples in Pennsylvania by allowing them to marry here, as well as recognize their marriages performed in other states.
"The time has come for Pennsylvania to shed itself of the backward and bigoted view that marriage should be limited to heterosexual couples. Loving individuals desiring to marry their life's partner, regardless of their gender, should be celebrated and encouraged, rather than discriminated against," Josephs said.
In July, New York became the sixth state to extend marriage equality to all of its citizens. With that inclusion, Josephs said, that state will see a boost to their economy, from increased state and local sales tax collections and marriage license fees, to additional hotel occupancy tax revenue in the city. According to the Independent Democratic Conference of the New York State Senate, the state expects to see as much as $391 million in increased economic activity in the first three years of the law.
"I think that's a pretty enticing figure for any entrepreneur looking to start a business to choose New York over Pennsylvania, especially when Pennsylvania also continues its antiquated approach to social issues," she said.
"When a stagnant economy and the Commonwealth's lack of willingness to protect and support all of our citizens are combined with this year's devastating cuts to Pennsylvania's most basic needs, including education, health care and human services, our reputation only worsens. We need to reverse this sad decline and work to restore Pennsylvania's rightful place as a state that is both in time with the modern world and the current century."
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| CONTACT: Amy Giancoli Hartman |