A bill that would change how Pennsylvania recognizes marriage has passed the state house and is on its way to the Senate.
House Bill 1800 would modify the state’s definition of marriage from a contract between a man and a woman to a contract between two individuals and remove language that states if a same-sex marriage happens outside of Pennsylvania, it would be rendered void in Pennsylvania. The bill is sponsored by Democrat Representative Malcolm Kenyatta and followed mostly party lines with a 127-72 vote. Opponents said that marriage should stay out of state government but those in favor say the change would keep government out of marriage.
Both State Representatives Jim Struzzi and Brian Smith voted against the measure.
