Penn Equality in Hands of Dueling Bills

Republican state senator John Eichelberger introduced a bill January 26 that would amend the Pennsylvania constitution to say that "only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid and recognized as marriage."

The bill stems from the Eichelberger's campaign promise to fight for a ban on same-sex marriage, according to the Philadelphia Gay News. Both the house and senate would have to have to pass the Marriage Protection Amendment before voters decide on its fate. Two of the 15 cosponsors of the bill are Democrats while the remainder are Republicans.

The amendment is expected to be routed to the judiciary committee, where a competing bill championed by Democratic senator Daylin Leach to legalize same-sex marriage is currently undergoing review.