They have a fancy new website which makes it easier for me to find the press releases since they keep kicking me off their email lists ...

On HB 1434

?Representative Metcalfe understands the need to do more than simply protect the word ?marriage.?  A strong two-part amendment is what is needed to preserve the institution of marriage.   In 2004 Oregon passed an amendment that simply defined marriage as between one man and one woman and four years later marriage-like benefits were extended to homosexual couples.  Their amendment only preserved the word, not the institution of marriage,? stated Diane Gramley, President of the AFA of PA.

The word "marriage" is the issue.  Marriage a legal term used to describe a civil institution.  I want access to that institution.  I don't give a hoot about the religious constructs of marriage.  But there's no way to parse the word and people who think we can magically come up with a solution which satisfies everyone are thinking desperately.  No one is coming to take over the church ceremonies.  Relax and save your hysteria for the natural gas companies where it is well deserved.

Setting aside the other LGBT legislation, I just shake my head that so many issues will go unaddressed while elected officials rally around this.  I'm sure it will be the toast of Cranberry Township tomorrow night when Metcalfe, the Pennsylvania Family Institute and rightwing darling Lila Rose will be gathering for the PFI Annual Dinner.  I wish I had ability to infiltrate.  With a Flip Cam. 

sdf

UPDATE: I didn't dig deep enough when I originally posted.  Western PA Reps Krieger and Mustio also cosponsor this legislation. My apologies.

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Metcalfe's plan to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution begins in the State Government Committee of which he is the Majority Chair. As Chair, he has the power to bring the amendment to a committee vote.  It would be best to squelch that and you can help by contacting the other members of the committee. 

The message is very clear.  There are many more important issues than this and we need our elected officials to focus their time and energy on them -- the economy, transportation, taxes, health care, the environment, etc. 

Note that there are several Southwestern PA committe members. It is not too early to galvanize your networks to make the calls and make it personal -- people in our neighborhoods need jobs, healthcare, focus on energy issues, education, etc.  The links will take you to the reps contact page - phone, email, webforms, etc.   Just a few clicks if you live in Moon or Penn Township and you can help put this divisive issue aside to focus on your family priorities. 

Republicans

Seth Grove - York County

Jim Cox - Berks County

Matt Gabler - Clearfield and Elks Counties

Linda Schlegel Culver - Northumberland and Snyder Counties

George Dunbar - Westmoreland County (Jeannette, North Huntington,  Penn Twp, Irwin, North Irwin, Penn)

Eli Evankovich - Armstrong and Westmoreland Counties (New Kensington, Penn Township, Murrysville, Upper Burrell, Lower Burrell, Allegheny Township, Arnold, Export, Bethel Township, Cadogan Township, Parks Township, and Gilpin Township)

Glen Grell - Cumberland County

Marcia Hahn - Northampton County

Rob Kauffman - Cumberland and Franklin Counties

Jerry Knowles - Berks and Schuykill Counties

Timothy Krieger - Westmoreland County (Greensburg, Hempfield Twp, Delmont Borough, Hunker Borough, New Stanton Borough, Salem Township, South Greensburg Borough, Southwest Greensburg Borough. Unity Twp, Youngwood Borough) **COSPONSOR**

T. Mark Mustio - Allegheny County (Aleppo Twp, Ben Avon Heights, Collier Twp, Edgeworth, Findlay Twp, Haysville, Kilbuck Twp, Moon Twp, North Fayette Twp, Ohio Twp, Osborne, Robinson Twp, Sewickley, Sewickley Heights, Sewickley Hills) **COSPONSOR**

Brad Roae -  Crawford County

Jerry Stern - Blair County

Democrats

Babette Josephs (Minority Chair) - Philadelphia County

Tony Payton, Jr. - Philadelphia County

Steve Samuelson - Lehigh and Northhampton Counties

Greg Vitali - Delaware County

Tim Briggs - Montgomery County

Eugene DePasquale - Montgomery County

Florindo FaBrizio - Erie County

Kenyatta Johnson - Philadelphia County

Eddie Day Pashinski - Lucerne County

Steven Santarsierio - Bucks County

From the Trib ...

Metcalfe, R-Cranberry, who chairs the House State Government Committee, on Monday announced he is sponsoring a constitutional amendment to define marriage. It would need to be approved in two successive sessions of the Legislature and would then be submitted for approval or rejection by the state's voters. The earliest that could happen would be 2013.

The constitution, if changed, would read:  "Marriage is the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife and no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized."

The bill's chances are improved in a Republican-controlled legislature, but it is still a contentious issue many lawmakers would rather avoid. As committee chairman, Metcalfe can at least guarantee a committee vote.

It is a bit challenging to come up with someonething new about this one other than quiet disgust.  John Morgan at The Pennsylvania Progressive plans to out closeted legislators who cast any affirmative vote on this one. 

While we can hope this illustrates the distance between Metcalfe and the "rest" of the Republicans, I suspect this will not go quietly into the good night.  Democrats have voted for this in previous terms so we can take nothing for granted.

Please take a moment to sign the petition up at Equality Pennsylvania's site. 

Congrats to our winner: Elena Kuptsynova!

And thanks to http://www.opusoneproductions.com/ for supporting local blogs!

I used a random number generator to select winners for the two giveaways (TOTEM and Uh Huh Her).  The winners have been contacted and I'm hoping they are all sorts of excited.  I'll announce their names as soon as they get back to me. 

Thanks to everyone for playing!

I watched the media coverage and Presidential press conference last night with a strange mix of relief and sadness.  I can't rejoice in someone's death, but I am hopeful that his death will lead to a better world for all of us. 

From Pam's House Blend ...

Is this the final proof that Barack Obama is the legitimate President of the United States?

Pam herself posts extensive media clips with a little sober commentary of her own and the transcript of the Presidential remarks.

And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11.  I know that it has, at times, frayed.  Yet today's achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people.

The cause of securing our country is not complete.  But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to.  That is the story of our history, whether it's the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place.

Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are:  one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you.  May God bless you.  And may God bless the United States of America.

Towleroad has clips of the spontaneous rally at the White House last night.

Politgot from Metro Weekly has similar clips with much more detail and on the ground interviews.

Thoughts from Bilerico

And from The Advocate a hat tip to President Bush

The president reiterated that this war is, in no way, a war with Islam, and that bin Laden was not a religious leader, describing him as a mass murderer, and that his victims included many Muslims. The President continued, "So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity."

"Tonight we are once again reminded that American can do whatever we set out mind to," the President continued. "That is the story of our history, whether it?s the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens, our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the word a safer place. Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power but because of who we are, one nation, under God indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Authorities have been searching for the terrorist leader since the September 1, 2001, attacks. Capturing or killing Osama bin Laden fulfills a goal first set by President George W. Bush.

Finally a few reminders of the losses to the LGBTQ community from LezGetReal.

So what does all this mean?  A simple reminder that while these are LGBTQ media outlets, they do step outside of the "gay agenda" to report.  Clearly, this is a significant moment in American history, including the LGBTQ community.  I'm not seeing references to "agenda items" like the repeal of DADT or the repeal of DOMA to provide family benefits to LGBTQ soldiers. I'm reading good reporting and interesting commentary on an event that transcends our identity as gay Americans.  But those are valid issues to raise in the coming days and returning to our struggle for full equality in our nation, a nation a little more secure, is one of the things that does make America great.