Gay Marriage Amendment Subject Of Debate In Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH -- The gay marriage amendment might not pass Congress, but a similar measure to amend Pennsylvania's constitution is possible.

There is no question there are strong feelings on both sides of the issue.

When a national organization of gay Democrats met in Pittsburgh last weekend, one of the principle topics was the proposed gay marriage amendment.

"What this particular amendment would do is write discrimination against law abiding citizens into the constitution and deny them the basic protections all families deserve," said Scott Safier of Stonewall Democrats.

Polls show most Americans oppose gay marriage, although opposition has slipped in the past two years.

"My biggest concern about it is the kids -- thinking this is alright to live that way. And we're governed over them and we got to teach them the proper and right way to live and that is definitely not the right way to live," Safier said.

"To me marriage is between a man and a woman so I think they should have the right to something similar but I don't think they should call it a marriage," said Lucy Davis of Penn Hills.

Duquesne Law professor Bruce Ledewitz opposes the constitutional amendment because it will take away the rights of voters to decide whether they want gay marriage.

"There is no gay marriage in Pennsylvania because the people of Pennsylvania don't want it and there should not be until they do. But the day the majority of people in Pennsylvania want to recognize gay marriage or civil union or something then that should be their right. I have no idea why someone would want to take this issue away from the voters," Ledewitz said.

Sen. Rick Santorum, a Republican seeking re-election this year, is a vocal supporter of the amendment banning gay marriage.

Sen. Arlen Specter, also a Republican, opposes the amendment although he did vote it out of the Judiciary Committee which he chairs.

Still, little chance is given for Congress to muster the two-thirds majority to pass the measure.