Phone Calls Needed Against PA SB 707

in Activism / general / Same-Sex Marriage — by — March 14, 2010
Note: More resources about PA SB 707

On Tuesday morning, the PA Senate Judiciary Committee will be taking up John Eichelberger’s SB 707 which would amend the PA Constitution, writing discrimination into it. The bill would essentially change nothing except that the ban on same-sex marriage would be built directly into the constitution. The language of the bill would define marriage as between one man and one woman. Backers of the legislation believe that this will protect “the family” as well as the institution of marriage.

Twice before conservatives have placed this issue before the Legislature, and twice before it has been defeated. If we are to defeat it again, we will need your help!

On Monday March 15th, can you take a few minutes and call each of the senators on the Judiciary committee?  Each call can be as short as a minute or two, so this doesn’t have to take a lot of time. The phone numbers and a sample of what you might say on the phone is here:

“My name is (your name) and I am calling you since  (senator’s name) sits on the Judiciary Committee, and want to ask the senator to vote no on SB 707 so that it does not go to the full senate.”

Either the Harrisburg number or the district office will work.  Some bullet points you can mention:

  • Writes discrimination into the PA Constitution.
  • Unnecessary bill, PA already prohibits same-sex marriage. Wasteful use of time and resources.
  • Does not benefit anyone directly.
  • Distracts Senate from more important business such as State Budget.
  • Develops an atmosphere of being unwelcome to gays and lesbians.
  • Develops an atmosphere of being unwelcome to large corporations which offer domestic partnership benefits.

Members of the committee:

Officers

Greenleaf, Stewart J., Chair: (717) 787-6599 or (215) 657-7700

White, Mary Jo, Vice Chair: (717) 787-9684 or (814) 432-4345

Leach, Daylin , Minority Chair: (717) 787-5544 or (610) 768-4200

Scarnati, Joseph B., III, ex-officio: (717) 787-7084 or (814) 726-7201

Majority

Browne, Patrick M.: (717) 787-1349 or (610) 821-8468

Earll, Jane M.: (717) 787-8927 or (814) 453-2515

Gordner, John R.: (717) 787-8928 or (570) 784-3464

Orie, Jane Clare: (717) 787-6538 or (412) 630-9466

Piccola, Jeffrey E.: (717) 787-6801 or (717) 896-7714

Rafferty, John C., Jr.: (717) 787-1398 or (610) 831-8830

Minority
Boscola, Lisa M.: (717) 787-4236 or (610) 868-8667
Costa, Jay: (717) 787-7683 or (412) 241-6690
Fontana, Wayne D.: (717) 787-5300 or (412) 344-2551
After you make your calls, consider posting a comment here on the blog. It can help encourage others to phone too!

7 Comments

  1. tcwaters says:
    March 16, 2010 at 8:02 pm

    Thanks Patricia for your help in stopping this proposed amendment. With your help we were able to stop this amendment in committee, and the PA Constitution will stay free from discrimination at this time.

    Please help us further by thanking the senators on the committee who voted to table this bill:
    Mary Jo White, Lisa Boscola, Daylin Leach, Michael Stack, Wayne Fontana, Jay Costa, Jane Earll, and Pat Browne

  2. Patricia L. Mest says:
    March 16, 2010 at 5:52 pm

    I do not support this proposed amendment to the constitution.

  3. tcwaters says:
    March 15, 2010 at 3:59 pm

    Thanks Chris! Actions like this make a difference, so very glad to have your help with it!

  4. Chris says:
    March 15, 2010 at 3:43 pm

    I don't usually do things like this, but I called all the offices today.

  5. tcwaters says:
    March 15, 2010 at 2:33 pm

    Thanks Barbara!

  6. Barbara Schwarck says:
    March 15, 2010 at 2:29 pm

    I took a few minutes to call all the officers. It was totally easy and painfree. Do it, we need to make a difference here and I understand that calling does make a difference.

    I have never done this before. Give it a try and expand you comfort zone.

    Warmly, Barbara Schwarck, Clear Intentions