ABC27 WHTM Pa. lawmaker introduces bill to define marriage

Pa. lawmaker introduces bill to define marriage

A Pennsylvania lawmaker has introduced legislation that would amend the state Constitution to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Butler, said House Bill 1434 is modeled after Florida's marriage protection amendment.

The legislation would have to be approved in two consecutive sessions of the General Assembly before being put to voters in a ballot referendum.

Metcalfe's measure would amend the state Constitution to define marriage as "the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife."

The amendment would also state that "no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized."