Scarnati Votes Yes: Marriage Amendment Passes Senate

HARRISBURG – House Bill 2381, referred to as the marriage amendment passed the State Senate by a 38-12 vote. State Senator Joe Scarnati of the 25th District voted yes to the amendment proposed by Representative Scott Boyd to further define the State Constitution's definition of marriage to read, only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this Commonwealth. Scarnati was a co-sponsor of the Senate's version of the bill, Senate Bill 1084 sponsored by Senator Bob Regola.

"Without this revision, the distinctive category in which marriage has been placed in for decades could be legally challenged, altered and forced upon the citizens of this Commonwealth," said Scarnati. "According to the Pennsylvania Family Institute, 20 states have already amended their constitutions to protect marriage, which proves this topic is mounting concern across the nation, including right here in our state."

The Pennsylvania Family Institute found 43 states have laws that will not allow same-sex marriages to be recognized. Therefore, more than 80 percent of states agree the definition of marriage should not be altered in any way.

"This amendment works to protect our children, the foundation of our future," Scarnati stated. "As I have acknowledged time and time again, both out on the campaign trail and in our Capitol, the sanctity of marriage goes hand in hand with building strong families and even stronger communities. I work to represent these ideals and that is why I support this amendment 100%."

The bill will now go to the House for consideration.