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PA: Bridal Shop Turns Away Lesbian Bride for “Illegal Action”

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

Pennsylvania Bridal ShopTHIS IS ONE of those stories that make me want to say “I’m sorry” to gay people for the nonsense they endure from some heterosexuals who give the rest of us straight people a bad name.

So please, Alix Genter, accept my heartfelt apology that you were denied the chance to purchase the wedding gown of your dreams from Here Comes the Bride. The manager of the salon, in Somers Point, N.J., said she didn’t want to be associated with your pending “illegal action.”

Yep, that’s actually how she referred to your wedding, next July, to your longtime partner (whose name you asked me to withhold in this column, as she’s publicity-shy). You plan to apply for a civil union in New Jersey, where you live, and to be formally wed in New York, which just legalized gay marriage. But you’re also arranging a big, blowout ceremony and reception for 200 at Normandy Farm in Blue Bell, where your family and friends will toast your commitment.

Full Story from Philly.com

Click here for gay wedding resources in Pennsylvania.

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PA: State Lags Behind on Marriage Equality

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

Evan WolfsonEvan Wolfson, a Squirrel Hill native, was named by Time magazine in 2004 as one of the 100 most influential people in the world for his work as founder and president of the advocacy group Freedom to Marry. But in his home state, same-sex marriage is still a long way off.

Mr. Wolfson, 54, said the recent legalization of gay marriage in New York sets an example for its neighboring states and the rest of the country.

It also casts light on the state of gay rights in Pennsylvania, where neither same-sex marriage nor civil unions are allowed — and where state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Cranberry, introduced a constitutional amendment in May to define marriage in Pennsylvania as being only between a man and a woman.

Full Story from the Post Gazette

Click here for gay marriage resources in Pennsylvania.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

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PA: Bethlehem City Council Debates Anti Discrimination Bill

Thursday, May 19th, 2011

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Anti DiscriminationMany in the Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, and Transgender (GLBT) community packed Bethlehem’s City Council Chambers to support a bill that would offer them protection from discrimination.

But a national conservative group fears the legislation will cause businesses and religious organizations to violate their core values by forcing them to employ or accommodate gays and transgender people.

The American Family Association said the city of Bethlehem does not need this ordinance but gay rights advocates say they need this ordinance now more than ever.

Full Story from WFMZ

Click here for gay marriage resources in Pennsylvania.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

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PA: Lesbian Couple Suing School District Over Exclusionary Benefits

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011

A central Pennsylvania school district offers family insurance benefits to “domestic partners,” so long as they’re not gay, a lesbian couple claims in federal court.

The State College Area School District (SCASD) “provides family insurance benefits that include unmarried SCASD employees’ opposite-sex domestic partners, while excluding identically-situated employees’ same-sex domestic partners,” according to a 15-page complaint filed Tuesday.

The district’s policy plainly states that when it comes to providing health benefits, “domestic partners cannot be the same gender,” the women say.

Full Story from CNS

Click here for gay marriage resources in Pennsylvania.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

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PA: Bloggers Fight Anti Gay Marriage Amendment

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

Pittsburgh bloggers often disagree on all things political, but for the third time in five years they will be working together to stand up to a that has been once again reintroduced in Pennsylvania.

State Representative Darryl Metcalfe R- Cranberry (north of Pittsburgh) introduced HB 1434. As chair of the State Government Committee he has the power to force at least a committee level vote. Similar legislation introduced by State Senator Eichelberger, he of the infamous “Allow Gays to Exist” language, was tabled in 2010 by the Judiciary Committee.

On Tuesday, May 10, 2011, bloggers throughout the Commonwealth will once again dedicate a post to this topic. Blog for Equality Pittsburgh 2011 is sponsored by Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents, Western PA’s oldest LGBTQ blog.

Full Story from Lez Get Real

Click here for gay marriage resources in Pennsylvania.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

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PA: Gay Marriage Ban Introduced in State House

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

Daryl MetcalfeA resolution that seeks to ban gay marriage in Pennsylvania was introduced on Monday.

Republican Representative Daryl Metcalfe’s proposal would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to ban recognition of any “substantial equivalent” to heterosexual marriage.

“The institution of traditional marriage has never been under greater attack,” Metcalfe said in a statement. “This not only includes the special interests who want to permanently redefine marriage, but unfortunately the executive branch and the federal Department of Justice who have blatantly and recklessly refused to uphold and defend its constitutionality. Once again, it falls to the responsibility of state lawmakers to restore the rule of law and carry out the will of the people.”

Full Story from On Top Magazine

Click here for gay marriage resources in Pennsylvania.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

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PA: Bethlehem City Council Moves Forward on Anti Discrimination Law

Friday, April 29th, 2011

Bethlehem Anti Discrimination LawA City Council committee on Thursday night recommended adoption of a law that would prohibit discrimination in workplaces and public facilities, while establishing a new Bethlehem Human Relations Commission to enforce it.

The law would extend protections to gays, lesbians and transgender persons, in addition to those already covered under the Pennsylvania Human Relations law, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, handicap or the need to use a guide or support animal.

A new Human Relations Commission would enable aggrieved city residents, employees or visitors an opportunity to have their complaints addressed in Bethlehem, as opposed to Harrisburg where a state panel convenes.

Full Story from Patch.com

Click here for gay marriage resources in Pennsylvania.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

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PA: Lawmaker to Introduce Civil Unions Bill

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

Pennsylvania Representative Mark Cohen has announced that he will introduce a bill to legalize civil union throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Cohen , a Democrat held a press conference in Harrisburg this week to discuss the legislatiion together with more than 40 co-sponsors of the initiative.

“Support for civil unions today does not preclude support for marriage equality now or in the future,” Cohen said at the news conference. “The issue as I see it is whether we can grant meaningful rights and recognitions in the GLBT community within a reasonable period of time.”

The proposal – H.B. 708 – would allow same-sex couples to enjoy civil unions throughout the Commonwealth. The same state laws that apply to heterosexual married couples would also apply to gays and lesbians. Cohen described the civil unions as a compromise between marriage equality and banning marriage for gay couples completely through a constitutional amendment. He also affirmed that the bill would not require any religious institutions or clergy persons to perform ceremonies for same-sex couples.

Full Story from Lez Get Real

Click here for gay marriage resources in Pennsylvania.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

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PA: Allentown Votes to Extend Domestic Partner Benefits to Many City Employees

Thursday, January 20th, 2011

Allentown City CouncilThe City Council of Allentown, Pa. voted Wednesday to extend medical benefits to the same-sex partners of city employees, not including firefighters and police officers.

According to the Morning Call, the measure will provide health benefits to eligible same-sex partners of some city employees active and retired. Employees will also be able to take time off work when their partner is hospitalized or dies.

The police and fire unions have yet to agree to the changes, but according to the Morning Call, city officials are optimistic that the unions will agree.

Full Story from the Advocate

Click here for gay marriage resources in Pennsylvania.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

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PA: Easton City Council Considers Benefits for Gay Partners

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011

A bill pending before Easton City Council would afford gay partners of city employees the same benefits extended to legally married spouses, a move hailed as a step forward for civil rights.

The legislation, which appears to have the full support of council, would allow gay employees to name their partners as beneficiaries on their pension plans and include them in their medical benefits as long as they can prove that they live together and are jointly responsible for household finances.

Councilman Michael Fleck spearheaded the legislation in partnership with Pennsylvania Diversity Network, which serves the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community in the Lehigh Valley and Berks County. A similar bill is pending in Allentown.

Full Story from McCall.com

Click here for gay marriage resources in Pennsylvania.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

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