Text of PA HB 1647 (2013)

PRINTER'S NO. 2307 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE BILL No. 1647 Session of 2013 INTRODUCED BY COHEN, FRANKEL, B. BOYLE, K. BOYLE, BROWNLEE, M. DALEY, KIM, KINSEY, MCCARTER, O'BRIEN, PAINTER, PARKER, ROZZI AND SCHLOSSBERG, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 AN ACT Amending Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further defining "marriage"; and repealing and adding provisions relating to same-sex marriage. The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows: Section 1. The definition of "marriage" in section 1102 of Title 23 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended 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: * * * "Marriage." A civil contract [by which one man and one woman take each other for husband and wife] between two people who enter into matrimony. * * * 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Section 2. Section 1704 of Title 23 is repealed: [§ 1704. Marriage between persons of the same sex. It is hereby declared to be the strong and longstanding public policy of this Commonwealth that marriage shall be between one man and one woman. A marriage between persons of the same sex which was entered into in another state or foreign jurisdiction, even if valid where entered into, shall be void in this Commonwealth.] Section 3. Title 23 is amended by adding a section to read: § 1704.1. Same-sex marriages. (a) Construction.--Nothing in this title may be construed to compel a religious sect to perform same-sex marriages. (b) Marriages outside Commonwealth.--Marriages performed legally outside this Commonwealth and outside this country shall be recognized by the Commonwealth. Section 4. This act shall take effect in 60 days. 20130HB1647PN2307 - 2 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16