We celebrated a moment of courage and righteousness yesterday when Pennsylvania’s first (unsanctioned) same sex-marriage license was issued!  Whether this advocacy strategy will be the action that leads to same-sex marriage rights in Pennsylvania, our culture is moving in the right direction.

Here’s some analysis from Equality Pennsylvania:

Today, Montgomery County’s Register of Wills, D. Bruce Hanes, began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Several couples were allowed to stand up and affirm their commitment to one another.

We are always happy when an elected official like the Register of Wills voices support for the freedom to marry for all loving couples. His support shows just how rapid public support is building for marriage equality.

Although we welcome Register Hanes’ support for the freedom to marry, we are unsure about the impact of his actions.

While we certainly want to see every loving couple allowed to share in the freedom to marry, we have always interpreted our laws to prohibit marriage for same-sex couples. It’s possible – and would be heartbreaking – if these marriages were annulled.

At Equality Pennsylvania, we believe that our best chance to win marriage equality in the commonwealth is through the recently filed lawsuit. Our partners at the ACLU of Pennsylvania have prepared a strong challenge to our state’s ban on marriage.

We look forward to seeing that critical case make its way through the courts, and as it does, we’re committed to starting a conversation with our lawmakers and our neighbors about why marriage matters to all Pennsylvania families.

Equality Pennsylvania