Slowly but surely, Pennsylvania is emerging from the dark ages.
Gay couples can now legally tie the knot. I can only hope they find what I did more than three decades ago, an incredibly patient, understanding, loving partner. For some reason she has not kicked my sorry behind to the curb, despite spending so much of that time as a 'newspaper widow.'
Gays immediately got the right to marry yesterday when a federal judge - a Republican appointed by former President George W. Bush by the way - struck down the state's ban on gay marriage. U.S. District Judge John E. Jones III did not mince words, saying that 'we are a better people than what these laws represent,' and adding it is time to consign them to the 'ash heap of history.'
We concur. Here is our editorial position on the matter.
That is not to say everyone will agree. I was greeted first thing this morning by an anonymous voice-mail, and a man who decided I was responsible for this ruling.
"I hope you're happy, you piece of s---," he grumbled. "Just wait until you see all the molestations. You got what you want."
Talk about thing that need to be consigned to the dustbin of history.
In Philadelphia, gay couples immediately stormed City Hall to apply for marriage licenses. In Delco, gay couples did not have that opportunity. The courthouse here is traditional closed on election days. But if you are headed there today to get a license, we certainly would be interested in telling your story.
Email me at editor@delcotimes.com, or our courthouse reporter Alex Rose at arose@delcotimes.com if you'd like to be part of our story.
One other thing. While I support this ruling, I still am not especially happy about the way our Attorney General Kathleen Kane failed to do her job in not defending the state's position.
She had argued that the law was 'unconstitutional,' and clearly the judge concurred.
But that was his job, not hers.
In deciding what laws she will choose to enforce as the state's top prosecutor, she lays down a dangerous precedent.
For now, it marks a milestone of progress.
Next thing you know, I'm going to be able to buy a six-pack of beer and a bottle of wine in the same store.
Nah, that would be too much to ask.
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