“The legislation before us today is not about protecting or enhancing a cherished principle, but a bill that reflects pandering and political posturing on a hot button, emotionally-charged issue,” Pittsburgh City Councilman Bruce Kraus said before the congressional hearing.
Meanwhile men and women in droves surrounded the building, demanding their voices be heard. Those in support of presidential candidates notwithstanding, the amendment would serve to reaffirm an outdated principle.
On an Internet poll started the next day-atthe Post-Gazette- readers were asked if they agreed with the amendment, 68% said no, out of almost 5,000 people.
The issue is one that too many people are sick of fighting, while others hold to the fight with hands clasped, still others live their lives freely with rings or symbols and the name husband to husband or wife to wife.
“Our society, a truly unique and greatAmerican experience…to sexual minorities who ask that their conduct be treated equitably in a democratic society. We are truly great and envied because of our tolerance and because of our acceptance,” Ferlo said.
Gay, straight, bisexual, or transgender, male or female, or Christian, Jew, Muslim; this is the United States. Standing side by side with protestors nearby; gays, friends and allies waited on the steps of the building to show their support, April 10th 2008 at 1:00pm.
“So what is wrong with making a statement about marriage in the constitution? For one thing, it would be the wrong statement, a note of bigotry in a document that is supposed to serve high ideals. It is born of a mind-set that singles out gays to blame for society’s moral decline, even as the Eliot Spitzers of the world regularly refute that notion.” quoted from Jim Ferlo, who is in the State Senate 38th district, and served as a Pittsburgh councilman for 14 years.
This very long debate is not nearly over, as state by state, we continue to fight for this very basic human right Senate Bill 1250 is now tabled indefinitely, thanks to mass opposition to the bill from the GLBT community and their allies.
Join Anthony Infanti, Associate Professor of Law at the University of Pittsburgh, as he discusses his book, Everyday Law for Gays and Lesbians, at Borders East Liberty on Tuesday, June 17th at 6:00pm.
