GOV. CORBETT QUITS FIGHT AGAINST SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

(L to R) Rev. Michael Ruk of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, New Hope Councilwoman Geri Delevich and Ted Martin, head of Equality PA (Photo: S. Casano)

By Charlie Sahner

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett said Wednesday he will not fight a Tuesday court ruling striking down the state’s ban against same-sex marriage.

“Given the high legal threshold set forth by Judge Jones in this case, the case is extremely unlikely to succeed on appeal,” Gov. Tom Corbett said in a press statement. “After review of the opinion and on the advice of my Commonwealth legal team, I have decided not to appeal Judge Jones’ decision.”

Executive Director of Equality PA Ted Martin reacted to the Governor’s decision:
“We sincerely thank Gov. Corbett for allowing this judgment to stand. Words cannot express what this means to the loving couples and families in Pennsylvania who have waited so long to be recognized. Marriage matters to all families, and we rejoice with them today.

“We also understand that what matters is not that we share the exact same beliefs with everyone in the commonwealth, but that we respect each others differences and treat everyone equally. That is why we appreciate what Gov. Corbett did today and we hope that we will be able to work together to continue to build bridges of understanding. Thank you for letting love win,” concluded Martin.

Tulips alongside a church in Lambertville, NJ

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(Photo: Charlie Sahner)

PA Senate promotes ‘prompt legislative action’ on medical marijuana bill

By Charlie Sahner

Following an “informative” hearing earlier this year regarding legislation to legalize the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes, the Senate Law and Justice Committee will hold a second public hearing on the issue on June 10, Committee Chairman Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-10) said today.

The hearing would focus on an amendment to Senate Bill 1182, the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act. The amendment is designed to ensure prompt legislative action on the bill.

“The first hearing in January offered a valuable opportunity to shine a light on this issue and remove any misconceptions about the legalization of medical cannabis,” said McIlhinney. “This approach now offers lawmakers an opportunity to narrow our focus and work toward a final product that can earn prompt consideration,” he added.

“I look forward to continuing the discussion of helping Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable through medical cannabis, and am hopeful for the advancement of Senate Bill 1182 before the current legislative session ends,” said Sen. Mike Folmer (R-48), who is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 1182. “Education through medical testimony, as well as from individuals who could have a second chance for an improved quality of life, has been very beneficial, and I sincerely thank Senator McIlhinney for holding these hearings.”

The hearing is scheduled at 10 a.m. in the Capitol Building in Harrisburg.