Equality In Pennsylvania’s Special Election
It’s been 10 days now since the death of John Murtha, and the field of candidates competing for his position has begun to take shape. The policy positions of many candidates, however, has not begun take shape much at all.
Consider the issue of marriage equality, a debate over whether rights of marriage should be equal for all Americans, or should be withheld from some Americans.
Democrat Barbara Hafer has yet to express her position on this issue as a congressional candidate. Democratic candidate Ron Mackell has no statement on marriage equality. Neither have Republicans William Russell and Tim Burns.
Independent Bruce Teich says only that he’s “pro-marriage”, but what does that mean? Does it mean that he’s in favor of marriage, and therefore supports the equal right to marry for homosexual as well as heterosexual couples?
Only Democrat Ryan Bucchianeri has made a clear statement of his position on the issue. Bucchianeri explains, “It’s time for America to truly honor its mantra that “all are created equal” and support full marriage equality for all U.S. citizens. The continued discrimination against the LGBT community is not only unethical, it’s un-American. Yet, only five states in our country recognize marriage by U.S. citizens of the same-sex as legal. This isn’t simply an issue of “civil union” vs. “marriage” nomenclature, nor would it force any church to marry a same-sex couple against its will. It is about basic rights and equality under law as American citizens.”
The special election will be on May 18. If the other candidates are going to make their positions on key issues clear, they’d better get a move on.
