Republican Pa. Governor Wont Appeal Ruling Striking Same-Sex Marriage Ban
HARRISBURG, Pa. The Republican governor of Pennsylvania has decided not to appeal a federal ruling striking down the Commonwealths ban on same-sex marriage, stating that he felt it would be extremely unlikely that he would succeed.
As a Roman Catholic, the traditional teaching of my faith has not wavered. I continue to maintain the belief that marriage is between one man and one woman, Gov. Tom Corbett said in a statement released on Wednesday. [But] my duties as governor require that I follow the laws as interpreted by the courts and make a judgment as to the likelihood of a successful appeal.
Given the high legal threshold set forth by Judge Jones in this case, the case is extremely unlikely to succeed on appeal. Therefore, after review of the opinion and on theadviceof my Commonwealth legal team, I have decided not to appeal Judge Jones decision, he stated. It is my hope that as the important issue of same-sex relationships continues to be addressed in our society, that all involved be treated with respect.
As previously reported, a federal judge appointed by then-President George W. Bush, who is known for his 2005 ruling against the teaching of Intelligent Design in public schools, has struck down a Pennsylvania law banning same-sex marriageon Tuesday.
We are a better people than what these laws represent, and it is time to discard them into the ash heap of history, wrote U.S. District Court Judge John Edward Jones II on Tuesday. We now join the 12 federal district courts across the country, which, when confronted with these inequities in their own states, have concluded that all couples deserve equal dignity in the realm of civil marriage.
The lawsuitWhitewood v. Corbettwas filed by the ACLU last July in an attempt to strike down Pennsylvanias longstanding ban.The lawsuit consists of over 20 plaintiffs, including four homosexual twosomes who were married in other states, but are not recognized as a couple in Pennsylvania.
It is hereby declared to be the strong and longstanding public policy of this Commonwealth that marriage shall be between one man and one woman, Pennsylvanias Marriage Between Persons of the Same Sex statute outlines. A marriage between persons of the same sex which was entered into in another state or foreign jurisdiction, even if valid where entered into, shall be void in this Commonwealth.
Corbett ended up defending the Commonwealthalonewith the assistance of General Counsel James Schultz and teamas Attorney General Kathleen Kane refused to fight the legal challenge,agreeing with the ACLUs position that the law is unconstitutional. But following Corbetts decision to now end the battle, some are expressing disapproval, stating that they are outraged that the governor has chosen the easy road.
If you did a poll in Pennsylvaniaa poll with a fair question that asked, Do you agree with or disagree with the traditional definition of marriage? I would bet you that most Pennsylvanians would agree with that, attorney Randy Wenger of the Independence Law Center told OneNewsNow. Unfortunately, we have a single judge who struck down our marriage law and a governor whos not willing to defend it.
To allow Pennsylvanias DOMA be struck down without a fight is beyond belief. The majority of Pennsylvanians know marriage is only between one man and one woman, and to not appeal the decision sends the message that the governor does not hold that strong belief. If he did, he would fight for it, said Diane Gramley, president of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania. To rewrite Pennsylvanias marriage laws is the responsibility of the legislature, not an unelected judge. We have been reduced to an oligarchy rather than a representative republic.
Link:
Republican Pa. Governor Wont Appeal Ruling Striking Same-Sex Marriage Ban
- Tensions over Epstein files complicate Republican plan to vote on cuts bill - The Guardian - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Jill Biden aide invokes Fifth to decline testimony in Republican investigation - AP News - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- 2004 to 2024, Part Two: When Each State Was at its Most Republican - Center For Politics - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Republican Scott Jensen to run for governor again in 2026, says state budgeting has been 'irresponsible' - 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- What's in the Republican bill cutting $9 billion from public broadcasting and foreign aid - yourvalley.net - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- They took it to the next level: Emmer breaks down the Republican crypto rebellion - Semafor - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Whats in the Republican bill cutting $9 billion from public broadcasting and foreign aid - WOWK 13 News - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Republican Tax Bill Is a Losing Deal for Gamblers - The New York Times - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Mike Johnson Reacts to Republican Blowback Over Jeffrey Epstein - Newsweek - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- JD Vance urges Republican voters to 'talk to your friends' about the 'big, beautiful bill' - NBC News - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Key Senate Republican thinks deal in the offing over FBI HQ location dispute - Politico - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Georgia's Raffensperger calls for return of donations after Republican donor accused of Ponzi scheme - Colorado Newsline - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Three Republican senators break with Trump to vote against codifying DOGE spending cuts - The Independent - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Moore taps Carroll County Republican, Army vet to head veterans department - Maryland Matters - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Key Senate Republican to meet with Trump on funding clawback request - Politico - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Gov. Kelly Ayotte vetoes Republican-backed bill aimed at banning certain books in schools - WMUR - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- The Republican senators to watch on cutting PBS, NPR and foreign aid funding - Axios - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- This small House Republican caucus held US stablecoin bill hostage until Trump cracked the whip - CryptoSlate - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Why more of Hobbs Arizona agency director nominees won Republican approval this year - KJZZ - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Homeland Security's Noem says in talks with five Republican-led states to build detention site - Reuters - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- 'Danger of Musks potential third party is [splitting] Republican votes: Tanden - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Herridge to resign as West Virginia Republican chairman, focus on cabinet role - News and Sentinel - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Rep. Brendan Boyle: You need four Republican Senators to stand up and have the courage to vote, no - MSN - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- The Frederick County Republican Central Committee wants to appoint candidates for the upcoming municipal elections in Frederick. But the filing... - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Raabe: On Monday, Remember The Greenwich Republican Party IS the National Republican Party - Greenwich Free Press - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- 'Sacred Covenant' How the Paxton divorce rocks the bruising Republican Senate primary in Texas - Fox News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Wisconsin businessman and Navy SEAL Bill Berrien launches Republican campaign for governor - WPR - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Redrawing Texas: the Republican plan to stack the decks for the midterms - The Guardian - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- After recent vetoes, it's time for DeWine to restore Republican Party | Letters - Yahoo News - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Exclusive | The Republican Strategy to Win Without Trump on the Ballot - WSJ - The Wall Street Journal - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- The Big Bad Republican Bill Wasnt Regressive Enough for the Anti-Tax Crusaders - Mother Jones - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Can the National Education Association Win Over Republican Members? - Education Week - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Texas keeps getting slammed by extreme weather catastrophes, but its Republican rulers remain contemptuous of climate science - Northwest Progressive... - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Exclusive | The Republican Strategy to Win Without Trump on the Ballot - WSJ - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Another Republican enters race to succeed Andy Barr in U.S. House - Kentucky Lantern - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Republican tax and spending cut megabill expected to take billions from Oregon Health Plan - Oregon Capital Chronicle - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Up Close with Bill Ritter: Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa on race for NYC mayor; Democrats try to unite behind Zohran Mamdani - ABC7 New York - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Exclusive / Moreno set to replace Tillis on Republican whip team - Semafor - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Chairman of Randall County Republican Party arrested for election fraud - KVII - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Republican Backs Push to Repeal Part of Trump Bill Days After Voting For It - Newsweek - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Republican The View Co-Host Admits to Crying Backstage at Least Half a Dozen Times - The Daily Beast - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Wisconsin Republican compares himself to Trump as he launches his bid for governor - AP News - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Opinion | Jeff Flake: The Republican Fever Must Break - The New York Times - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Two women accuse Republican state lawmaker of making unwanted sexual advances. He denies the allegations. - The Colorado Sun - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- 1988: A year that echoes in Georgia Republican politics to this day - SaportaReport - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Manassas Republican Party Headquarters vandalized over July 4 weekend - Washington Times - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Republican House leader Windschitl announces campaign for Congress in western Iowa - thegazette.com - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Public Safety Should Trump Politics; The High Cost of Republican Posturing - Progress Texas - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Georgia Republican says grandchildren are safe after being at Texas summer camp that flooded - The Hill - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Two women accuse Republican State Representative of inappropriate sexual behavior - KUSA.com - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- New York Times columnist admits that Trump is a 'normie Republican' - Fox News - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- E&E News: Energy winners and losers in the Republican megabill - POLITICO Pro - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Completely beatable: Dems go on offensive over unpopular Republican budget - MSNBC News - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Rep. Mark Green resigns from Congress, leaving Speaker Johnson with an even narrower Republican majority in the House - CNBC - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- A swing-district Republican on why he supports Trump's sweeping policy bill : Here & Now Anytime - NPR - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Trumps climate research cuts are unpopular, even with Republican voters - Yale Climate Connections - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Energy winners and losers in the Republican megabill - E&E News by POLITICO - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Tax Cuts Now, Benefit Cuts Later: The Timeline in the Republican Megabill - The New York Times - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Opinion | An Immoral and Cruel Republican Bill - The New York Times - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- No One Loves the Bill (Almost) Every Republican Voted For - The Atlantic - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Truth to Power: A Republican Senator Stands Up for Medicaid and His Constituents; Then Announces Retirement - Georgetown University - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- 9 Questions About the Republican Megabill, Answered - The New York Times - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- This Pennsylvania Republican withstood pressure on the megabill. Heres why. - Politico - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Wisconsin Republican Deletes Post That Appeared To Celebrate Millions Of People Losing Health Insurance - Yahoo - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Republican Bill Puts Nation on New, More Perilous Fiscal Path - The New York Times - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Trump says the Republican mega bill will eliminate taxes on Social Security. It does not - PBS - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Republican Bill Will Raise Costs, Poverty, and Hunger, Take Health Coverage Away From Millions - Center on Budget and Policy Priorities - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Republican voters on Trumps sweeping tax-and-spend legislation: This bill is a no-brainer! - The Guardian - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- These are the Republican votes to watch on the Trump megabill - The Hill - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Trump Meets With House Republican Holdouts to Press for Policy Bill - The New York Times - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- How the Republican spending bill super-charges immigration enforcement - Reuters - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- House Should Reject Senate Republican Bill That Is Even Worse Than Already Harmful House Version in Important Ways - Center on Budget and Policy... - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Trump Tax Bill Hits Republican Resistance in House Ahead of Vote - Bloomberg - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- The Republican senators who voted against Trump's "big, beautiful bill" - Axios - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- By the Numbers: Senate Republican Leaderships Reconciliation Bill Takes Food Assistance Away From Millions of People - Center on Budget and Policy... - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Which Republican senators voted against Trump's agenda bill and why - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- State of Colorado says Republican budget bill will cut billions in federal funding for Medicaid in the state - CBS News - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Republican Senator Tells House Not To Vote on Bill She Just Voted For - Newsweek - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Here Are the Republican Senators Who May Revolt on Trumps Bill - The New York Times - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Opinion | The Republican Policy Bill Will Cripple Obamacare - The New York Times - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]