The Pennsylvania House passed House Bill 1800, focusing on marriage equality, on a 127-72 vote, moving to change the state’s definition of marriage from a contract between a man and a woman to a contract between two individuals.HB 1800 passes state HouseThe bill is sponsored by Democrat Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta of Philadelphia. The vote mostly followed party lines, with some Democrats voting against and some Republicans voting for the bill.Opponents argued marriage should stay out of government, while supporters said the change would keep government out of marriage.The bill would change the definition of marriage in the state to be between two consenting adults and remove a section stating that if a same-sex marriage happens in another state, it would be void in Pennsylvania.Lawmaker comments on floor and response”I don’t believe that we need government to put a stamp of approval on marriage. And I’ve been in the minority for that position for some time,” said Rep. Bryan Cutler, R-Pa. Dist. 100. “We need to recognize the foundation of marriage is actually for the stability of children, whether it’s history or whether it’s consistent with beliefs.” “It is about a covenant that is deep and meaningful, and the one that I share, and thousands of Pennsylvanians share is deep and meaningful,” said Rep. Kenyatta. “So, marriage is not symbolic. They are legal, they are practical. There are financial things connected to the institution of marriage.””Marriage equality has been something I’ve been advocating for my entire career. It’s about time that we update Pennsylvania’s laws to reflect modern society,” said Rep. Dave Madsen, D-Pa. Dist. 104.What’s nextThe bill now heads to the Republican-controlled Senate, where it is unclear whether lawmakers will take up the proposal and vote on it.

HARRISBURG, Pa. —

The Pennsylvania House passed House Bill 1800, focusing on marriage equality, on a 127-72 vote, moving to change the state’s definition of marriage from a contract between a man and a woman to a contract between two individuals.

HB 1800 passes state House

The bill is sponsored by Democrat Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta of Philadelphia. The vote mostly followed party lines, with some Democrats voting against and some Republicans voting for the bill.

Opponents argued marriage should stay out of government, while supporters said the change would keep government out of marriage.

The bill would change the definition of marriage in the state to be between two consenting adults and remove a section stating that if a same-sex marriage happens in another state, it would be void in Pennsylvania.

Lawmaker comments on floor and response

“I don’t believe that we need government to put a stamp of approval on marriage. And I’ve been in the minority for that position for some time,” said Rep. Bryan Cutler, R-Pa. Dist. 100. “We need to recognize the foundation of marriage is actually for the stability of children, whether it’s history or whether it’s consistent with beliefs.”

“It is about a covenant that is deep and meaningful, and the one that I share, and thousands of Pennsylvanians share is deep and meaningful,” said Rep. Kenyatta. “So, marriage is not symbolic. They are legal, they are practical. There are financial things connected to the institution of marriage.”

“Marriage equality has been something I’ve been advocating for my entire career. It’s about time that we update Pennsylvania’s laws to reflect modern society,” said Rep. Dave Madsen, D-Pa. Dist. 104.

What’s next

The bill now heads to the Republican-controlled Senate, where it is unclear whether lawmakers will take up the proposal and vote on it.