The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed a bill that would codify marriage equality into law.<\/p>\n
House Bill No. 1800 calls to change the definition of marriage in Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes from: \u201ca civil contract by which one man and one woman take each other for husband and wife\u201d to \u201ca civil contract between two individuals.\u201d<\/p>\n
2025-0-HB1800P2214 <\/a> by WPXI Staff <\/a><\/p>\n The legislation advanced with a vote of 127 yeas and 72 nays.<\/p>\n Click here to view who voted for and against the bill.<\/a><\/p>\n Representative Malcolm Kenyatta was the prime sponsor for the bill. He released a statement on its passing, saying:<\/p>\n \u201cI know some folks in this building have never had to refresh a computer screen to see if a court has given you access to a fundamental right, but that\u2019s where I was when Obergefell v. Hodges ruling came up \u2013 and the court voted correctly,\u201d Kenyatta said.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause of this vote, I got to marry my best friend, Dr. Matthew Kenyatta. As important as this vote is to me, my family and people across the commonwealth who are in loving same-sex marriages, it\u2019s equally as important that this law is passed to ensure our state law reflects the law of the land held in Obergefell.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is not a symbolic vote; there is not a thing symbolic about the connection I have and the right all Pennsylvanians deserve to not live in constant fear that their union is in imminent danger.<\/p>\n \u201cMarriage is not symbolic, there are legal, practical and financial things connected to the institution of marriage.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs detractors objected to the bill, mostly citing religious beliefs, Kenyatta, who identifies as a Christian, passionately replied, \u201cThis is what I know for sure: My God did not make me to hate me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am asking for the government to mind its business and allow two consenting adults to join in a union of their own on their own terms,\u201d he said.”<\/p>\n Governor Josh Shapiro also celebrated the movement, saying:<\/p>\n The bill is now moving to the Republican-led Senate for consideration.<\/p>\n Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n