Pennsylvania

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. Statutes Title 23 § 1704.

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.
yes Public (state) employment protections based on gender identity.

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

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).

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