HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed House Bill No. 1800 on Wednesday, a measure that would codify marriage equality into state law.
A Change in Definition
Currently, Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes define marriage as “a civil contract by which one man and one woman seize each other for husband and wife.” House Bill 1800 proposes to change that definition to “a civil contract between two individuals.” The bill passed with 127 yeas and 72 nays. A record of the vote is available here.
Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, the bill’s prime sponsor, stated that he “refresh[ed] a computer screen to see if a court has given you access to a fundamental right” when the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling came down. He likewise noted that because of the vote, he was able to marry Dr. Matthew Kenyatta.
Kenyatta emphasized the importance of the bill, stating It’s “not a symbolic vote” and that marriage carries “legal, practical and financial things” connected to it. He also responded to objections based on religious beliefs, saying, “My God did not make me to hate me.”
Governor Josh Shapiro also celebrated the bill’s passage, as indicated in a post on his Facebook page.
What’s Next?
House Bill 1800 is now under consideration by the Republican-led Pennsylvania Senate. It remains to be seen whether the bill will pass the Senate and be sent to the Governor for signature. If passed by the Senate, Governor Shapiro could sign the bill into law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does House Bill 1800 change?
House Bill 1800 changes the definition of marriage in Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes from “a civil contract by which one man and one woman take each other for husband and wife” to “a civil contract between two individuals.”
Who sponsored the bill?
Representative Malcolm Kenyatta was the prime sponsor of House Bill 1800.
What happened with the vote?
The bill passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives with a vote of 127 yeas and 72 nays.
As this legislation moves forward, how might the outcome impact families and legal rights within Pennsylvania?
