Sen. Bob Casey will be visited in the coming weeks by same-sex couples from throughout the state who will put a face to the harm caused by the Defense of Marriage Act.
Casey, a longtime LGBT ally, has yet to sign on to the Respect for Marriage Act, which would repeal the federal ban on same-sex marriage, and LGBT advocates are entering the next phase of lobbying to get his name on the measure.
Equality Pennsylvania, the Courage Campaign and the Freedom to Marry Coalition, who spearheaded a petition campaign this fall that collected 2,000 signatures of Pennsylvanians encouraging Casey to sign on, are now organizing same-sex couples to meet with the senator and his staff every Wednesday.
The couples will be encouraged to explain their personal histories and leave behind photos of their families to remind Casey and his advisors of the individuals who could be helped by the lifting of DOMA.
“The point is really to emphasize that this is about real people, real couples and that by supporting the Respect for Marriage Act, he can really affect his constituents,” said Ted Martin, Equality PA executive director. “Sen. Casey is a person who has always cared about the people he represents, and this is one more way to highlight those people who are most damaged and hurt by DOMA.”
Casey has offices throughout the state, so couples across Pennsylvania are encouraged to participate.
Martin said the longevity of the effort will depend on Casey’s willingness to cosponsor the Respect for Marriage Act.
A spokesperson for Casey said last week that the senator was “currently reviewing the legislation.”
The Respect for Marriage Act has a record level of support this session, with 133 cosponsors in the House and 31 in the Senate.
Rick Jacobs, chair and founder of Courage Campaign, said Casey is the “kind of leader who does something when his constituents are treated as second-class.”
“That’s why I’m confident that it’s only a matter of time before he supports the Respect for Marriage Act,” Jacobs said. “Seeing the faces and hearing the stories of constituents who are treated as second-class citizens can push someone to do what’s already in their heart. That’s what we’re trying to do with our new campaign.”
Couples interested in participating in the effort can contact Equality PA at [email protected].
Jen Colletta can be reached at [email protected].
