Say it loud Bob:
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/...
“I’m pleased that the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania today struck down the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. This was the right decision and is a step forward for equality in our Commonwealth and in the Nation. As a U.S. Senator representing Pennsylvania, I have heard from many LGBT Pennsylvanians and their families who want nothing more than equal rights under the law. As one mother from Pennsylvania said in a letter to me:
‘My kids have two proud and loving parents who are honest [and] work hard. I want my kids to know they are equal and our family is equal . . . I just want my family to be treated equally and with respect by my state and federal government.’
I believe this decision is a critical step toward achieving equal rights for all Pennsylvanians.” - TPM, 5/20/14
For the record, Casey is not up for re-election until 2018 but as a born and raised Pennsylvanian, I'm very happy about this. While Casey may not be perfect, I will never ever regret voting for him and helping defeat infamous homophobe Rick Santorum (R. PA) back in 2006. Plus Casey wrote my cousin's letter of recommendation to West Point so I have nothing personal against him. By the way, the gay community has Santorum to thank for today's ruling:
http://www.post-gazette.com/...
Gay marriage is legal in Pennsylvania today, following a ruling by U.S. District Judge John Jones. Pennsylvania had gotten into the pre-emptive-ban game early in 1996, and that ban is now gone—Pennsylvanians with gay marriages recognized in other states can set up shop in Pittsburgh or Philadelphia or (if it's what you're into) Braddock.
Who saw this coming? I'm going to guess "not Rick Santorum." Twelve years ago, in his second and final term as the U.S. senator from Pennsylvania, Santorum urged the Senate to confirm Jones and Kit Connor.
Attorneys Jones and Conner are highly qualified to assume the important role of Judge and the duty of protecting the Constitution and ensuring the effective operation of our judicial system. “Since the onset of the war against terrorism, our federal judiciary has taken on an even higher level of importance, and it is imperative that we provide our courts with the resources necessary to enforce the rule of law. These judgeships are vital to our national security goals, and I urge my colleagues to work with the President to fill these vacancies in a timely manner. - Slate, 5/20/14
I think Santorum's second presidential bid is now officially dead thanks to this. Good luck trying to win the GOP nomination now!