Text of PA HB 1178 (2013)

PRINTER'S NO. 1474 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE BILL No. 1178 Session of 2013 INTRODUCED BY COHEN, K. BOYLE, BRADFORD, BRIGGS, V. BROWN, BROWNLEE, D. COSTA, P. COSTA, DAVIS, DELISSIO, D. EVANS, FABRIZIO, FRANKEL, GERGELY, McGEEHAN, MOLCHANY, MUNDY, O'BRIEN, PARKER, PASHINSKI, ROEBUCK, ROZZI, SANTARSIERO, SCHLOSSBERG, STURLA, VITALI, WHEATLEY AND YOUNGBLOOD, APRIL 15, 2013 REFERRED TO COMMITEE ON JUDICIARY, APRIL 15, 2013 AN ACT Amending Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in marriage, adding a definition; and providing for civil unions. The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows: Section 1. Section 1102 of Title 23 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a definition to read: § 1102. Definitions. The following words and phrases when used in this part shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: "Civil union." A union between two adults of the same sex. * * * Section 2. Title 23 is amended by adding a section to read: § 1103.1. Civil unions. (a) General rule.--All of the rights, protections and duties 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 created by the Commonwealth that are applicable to a marriage shall apply to a civil union, unless the General Assembly expressly states otherwise. (b) Reciprocity.--A marriage between persons of the same sex, a civil union or a substantially similar legal relationship to that of a civil union, other than common-law marriage, legally entered into in another jurisdiction shall be recognized in this Commonwealth as a civil union. Section 3. This act shall take effect in 60 days. 20130HB1178PN1474 - 2 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9