Governor Tom Corbett (Photo by Sarah Webb)
Gov. Tom Corbett will not appeal a judge’s ruling yesterday that overturned Pennsylvania’s Defense of Marriage Act, he said in a statement May 21.
After reviewing the case in which U.S. District Judge John Jones declared the 1996 law unconstitutional, Corbett said an appeal was “extremely unlikely to succeed.”
“Therefore,” he said, “I have decided not to appeal Judge Jones’ decision.”
(See the reaction of Archbishop Chaput and the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference to the May 20 ruling here, and a review of same-sex marriage in other states here.)
With no appeal of the judge’s decision, same-sex marriages in Pennsylvania may be performed legally under state law, which will also recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.
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“As a Roman Catholic, the traditional teaching of my faith has not wavered,” Corbett said. “I continue to maintain the belief that marriage is between one man and one woman. 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.
“Throughout the debate on this important and meaningful issue, I have maintained that commonwealth officials and agencies would follow the provisions of Pennsylvania’s marriage law unless or until a court says otherwise. The court has spoken, and I will ensure that my administration follows the provisions of Judge Jones’ order with respect for all parties.
“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.”
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It’s time for the ignorant right wing lunatics to sit down and shut up. The rest of us are sick and tired of your hate. It’s time you conservatives learned what being a Christian is really about – and it’s not constant harping about social issues.
Dear Mr. Gambino,
According to your article the reaction to the judge’s ruling on turning over the Defense of Marriage in the Catholic community was swift and strong. That is not true. It is as usual swift and very weak. There were only two responses on you web site and only a weak statement from the Pa. Catholic Conference.
Where is the hierarchy calling on the Catholic community to petition the Governor? Where is the hierarchy calling to task Governor Corbett? In Pennsylvania and the whole U.S. the hierarchy of the church has abandoned the flock.
It’s an election year, and Corbett is doing what it takes to get re-elected
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Dear Governor Corbett,
I am greatly disappointed in the Federal Court ruling overturning Pennsylvania’s Defense of Marriage Act and redefining marriage. I am also disappointed that you have chosen to give up the fight and not to appeal this ruling. The Defense of Marriage law, declaring that marriage in Pennsylvania is the union of one man and one woman, was enacted by an overwhelming vote of the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Tom Ridge. It was wrong of Attorney General Kane not to defend it against the ACLU challenge, and I am asking you to not do the same thing.
Children have a right to a mother and a father and that is a right that government is bound to respect and encourage. This ruling short-circuits the public debate and casts aside the will of the people of Pennsylvania and our elected representatives.
I strongly urge you to reconsider your decision not to appeal the ruling and to ask the court to prevent issuance of licenses to same-sex couples while the case is on appeal. I look forward to your reply.
With your decision, you are dooming the future of the Republican party. Your decision is a tragic mistake and a slap in the face of all religious communities across the state of Pennsylvania.
Many of us believe like you that we will eventually lose this battle in the Liberal Court System…however it is better to stand up for our moral values than go off with our tails between our legs.
THIS DECISION WILL BE YOUR POLITICAL LEGACY to all Pro-Life, Pro=Family voters, both Republican and Democrat.
Read a book of the Saints and discover how they stood up against Evil being FORCED upon them
I pray tou will come to your senses and Challenge this Judicial Decision.
Respectfully,
William J. Miller
I continue to be amazed that we generally have no idea how our government works. The Federal Courts have to interpret both Federal and State Laws in reference to the U.S. Constitution. Laws which are not compatible with the CURRENT U.S Constitution are judged to be “unconstitutional”. This prevents States like Mississippi from passing a State Law declaring that slavery is legal, for example. If one wants to elimate same sex marriage from the national scene, then, one has to change the U.S. Constitution through the amendment process (not by decrying the actions of Federal Judges who are just doing their job).