Pennsylvania

Relationship Recognition Information

Statewide Relationship Recognition
no Licenses marriages for same-sex couples.
no Honors marriages of same-sex couples from other jurisdictions.
no Relationship recognition for same-sex couples: None.

  • 1996 Anti-marriage bill adopted. House Bill 2604 introduced by Rep. Alan Egolf (R) on May 7. Would declare “same-sex marriage” to be “repugnant to public policy,” and states that “No same-sex marriage shall be recognized as entitled to the benefits of marriage.” Further says that “any marriage entered into by persons of the same sex, where such license is issued by another state... shall be void... and any contractual rights granted by virtue of such license, including its termination, shall be unenforceable in the courts [of Pennsylvania].” Passed by House. Senate Bill 155 — Senate concurs on Oct. 1. Signed by Governor Tom Ridge (R). See Penn. Statues Title 23 § 1704.

Employment Information

Statewide Employment Protections
no Private employment protections based on sexual orientation.
no Private employment protections based on gender identity.
yes Public (state) employment protections based on sexual orientation.
- Public (state) employment protections based on gender identity.

See Executive Order No. 2003-10 (7/28/2003).

Parenting Information

Statewide Parenting Laws
Who May Adopt Any individual. 23 Pa. C.S.A. 2312.
Second Parent Adoptions Expressly permitted by In re Adoption of R.B.F., 803 A.2d 1195 (Pa.  2002).

Cases

Barone v. Har Jehuda Cemetery
Case on behalf of Sherry Barone who was prohibited from placing a headstone that her deceased partner had requested at her grave.

Doe v. County of Centre
(Amicus) case arguing against a policy instituted by the Centre County Children and Youth Services, which barred placement of HIV-negative foster children in the care of foster families that are providing care for children living with HIV

Jones v. Boring
Case arguing for the rights of a non-biological parent to receive primary custody of a child if biological parent is unfit

T.B. v. L.R.M.
Case arguing to protect the rights of gay and lesbian parents to be fully recognized as such, even if they are not biologically related to their children

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