Politics & Government

Elected Officials, Same-Sex Newlyweds Celebrate MontCo at Marriage Equality Rally

More than 100 people attended the event in support of D. Bruce Hanes's decision to provide marriage licenses to same-sex couples, as a suit stopping the licenses from being issued continues through the court process.

More than 100 people gathered on the steps of the Montgomery County Courthouse Monday as a show of support to D. Bruce Hanes, the county Register of Wills who announced on July 23 his decision to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples; a decision that has found and the county embroiled in a lawsuit with the Pennsylvania Health Department.

The rally was organized by Michele Lockman and Julie Phillips, who planned the event to thank the county commissioners, and Hanes, and featured several elected officials, as well as same-sex newlyweds.

One couple, “happily married after a week,” addressed the crowd, thanking elected officials who fight on behalf of same-sex marriages, specifically State Senator Daylin Leach.

Find out what's happening in Perkiomen Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Leach, a candidate for the 13th Congressional District, has been performing marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples over the past week.

“I stand on my driveway and marry a same-sex couple, I must tell you, it’s such a profoundly emotional and proud moment for me,” Leach said, according to Times Herald Reporter Carl Hessler's video on the rally.  “To me, everything that we’ve been fighting for is exemplified in that moment”

Find out what's happening in Perkiomen Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

While marriage licenses continue to be issued, the lawsuit to stop the licenses will be in court for at least a few more weeks.

According to a document from the Commonwealth Court, the Pennsylvania Health Department has until Aug. 12 to file a brief, and the county has until Aug. 19 to file a response; after that, the court will schedule argument on the suit “on an expedited basis.”

State Representative Madeline Dean (D-153) said she and her colleagues will continue to the fight for marriage equality in Harrisburg, calling marriage a fundamental civil right of society.

“I’m lucky,” said State Representative Madeline Dean, according to a video on the Times Herald.  “I’m married nearly 30 years for the same man, very, very happily.  I want to tell those who somehow feel threatened by same sex marriage: there’s nothing to fear.

Editor's Note: A participant at the rally said that there was a count of over 100 people in attendance; the story has been changed to reflect that.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here