On Tuesday, May 19, 2009, Senator John Eichelberger (R-Blair County) announced his intention to introduce a constitutional amendment defining marriage in Pennsylvania as strictly the union between one man and one woman.  Sen. Eichelberger said, “As more and more states begin to redefine marriage, it’s only a matter of time until a court decision usurps the citizen’s right to decide this is for themselves.”  Proponents believe a marriage protection amendment is necessary to prevent the courts from imposing same sex marriage in Pennsylvania as they have elsewhere. Currently, thirty other states define marriage as being between one man and one woman in their state constitutions.  Eichelberger is seeking co-sponsors for the legislation. 

The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is supportive of efforts that affirm and uphold marriage.  Read more about the Church’s teachings in the 2004 Bishops’ statement, Human Sexuality, Marriage and Same Sex Unions: Questions and Answers.