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PA Gov. Tom Corbett's Last Stand

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett is weeks away from a double-digit drubbing at the hands of LGBT ally and hate crimes law advocate Tom Wolf. This is the ad Corbett is going out with.

PENNSYLVANIA: Gov. Tom Corbett Condemns Gay Bashing, Dodges On Pending Hate Crimes Bill

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett yesterday finally issued a condemnation of the brutal mob gay-bashing in Philadelphia that has gotten national headlines for two weeks, but his office refused to say whether Corbett supports the renewed push for a statewide hate crimes law. Tony Meverick reports at Buzzfeed:

“In the wake of the crime in Philadelphia, the governor condemns the attack and crimes based on discrimination,” Corbett spokesman Jay Pagni said. “Without addressing the language in specific legislation, the governor condemns discrimination and crimes resulting from discrimination whether that discrimination be based on race, gender, or sexual orientation. Again, the governor condemns the attack.” However, the spokesman would not say whether Corbett, a Republican who faces a tough re-election fight this November, supports the bill Democratic state lawmakers are urgently seeking to pass in the few remaining days of session this year that would expand the state’s hate crimes law to view crimes committed because of a victim’s sexual orientation, among other reasons, as more severe.

The proposed hate crimes bill has the support of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Wolf, who presently has a substantial polling lead over Corbett. A rally in support of the bill will be held in the Pennsylvania statehouse today by state Rep. Brendan Boyle, who has bucked other pro-LGBT legislators by saying that the bill has a chance of passage in the current session. Boyle is the Democratic nominee for the US House in Pennsylvania's 13th congressional district.

RELATED: Yesterday the Philadelphia police commissioner announced that the investigation into the gay-bashing has concluded and that charges against some of its participants are imminent.

Charles H. Ramsey said Monday that the department has concluded its investigation into a Center City assault that left a gay couple seriously injured - and that the District Attorney's Office is now reviewing the case. "We feel that there is sufficient evidence to have charges placed against some of the individuals there," Ramsey said in an interview. As prosecutors review differing accounts of the Sept. 11 incident, the case has spurred calls for changes to the state's hate-crime statute, which does not cover crimes motivated by sexual orientation. On Monday, Ramsey also said he supports modifying the state law, which he said "needs to change, and change very quickly." "There's no statute, unfortunately, that adds sexual orientation to the hate crime statute - which is a shame. There should be. No question about that," he said. With that, the commissioner joined a growing number of legislators who have spurred a renewed push to expand the current law.

PENNSYLVANIA: Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Wolf Endorses Hate Crimes Bill

"The recent vicious attack perpetrated on two men in Philadelphia is incomprehensible and those responsible should be severely punished. We, as a society and a community, cannot stand for these assaults on our individual freedoms. No one, no matter their race, gender, or sexual orientation, should ever have to live in fear of walking down the street. William Penn founded Pennsylvania on the basis of fairness and tolerance and, I believe, we must continue to be a place that pays faithful tribute to those good values. I know that all people – regardless of sexual orientation – should be treated equally under the law. As governor, I will work to level the playing field by promoting legislation like House Bill 300 that makes sexual orientation and gender identity and expression a protected class and House Bill 745 that amends Title 18 of the Ethnic Intimidation Act to include sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity. And I will be a vocal advocate for the right of all Pennsylvanians to be treated with dignity and respect. I wish a full and speedy recovery for the two victims, and I hope the people responsible will be brought to justice swiftly." - Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Wolf, via press release.

RELATED: According to a recent Quinnipiac poll, Wolf is presently leading GOP incumbent Gov. Tom Corbett by 24 points.

PENNSYLVANIA: NOM Launches Last Minute Campaign To Stop Marriages

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett has until June 20th to appeal the overturn of the ban on same-sex marriage and NOM is flailing about in typical fashion.

The people of Pennsylvania have been denied due process on so many levels when it comes to the marriage debate — it must stop. Take the time today to join our friends at the Pennsylvania Pastors' Network in urging support for resolutions spearheaded by Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R.-Butler) in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Sen. John Eichelberger (R.-Hollidaysburg) in the Senate calling for the Corbett Administration to appeal the recent court decision that invalidated Pennsylvania's Defense of Marriage Act. While the State Legislature, with the support of the people, approved the state's Defense of Marriage Act in 1996 defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman, since then the people have been roundly ignored and law of the land flouted. The people, through their elected officials, have repeatedly asked for the right to vote and enshrine the definition of marriage in the State's constitution.

PREVIOUSLY ON JMG: Last October, GOP state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe launched a campaign to impeach AG Kathleen Kane. In August 2013, Melcalfe called for impeaching all pro-gay politicians. In June 2013, Metcalf used a chamber rule to stop openly gay state Rep. Brian Sims from speaking about the historic DOMA ruling on the state House floor, saying that Sims was in "open rebellion against God's law." In 2011 and in 2012 Metcalfe introduced bills to insert a ban on same-sex marriage into the state constitution.  Both attempts failed.

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert Slams Corbett: Not Defending Marriage Leads To Anarchy

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert took a swipe at fellow GOP Gov. Tom Corbett today for not appealing the legalization of same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania.

Herbert made the comments Thursday during his monthly televised news conference on KUED. The Republican governor said he's dismayed by the suggestion that Utah should drop its defense of the 2004 voter-approved ban because public opinion and social mores are shifting. He said seeing Oregon and Pennsylvania leaders this week decide not to appeal rulings from federal judges striking down bans there does nothing to change his thinking. He said those leaders should be "called on the carpet" for their decision. "For elected officials, governors or attorney generals, to pick and choose what laws (they) will enforce I think is a tragedy, and is the next step to anarchy," Herbert said. "We have an obligation as a state to defend those laws."

Herbert went on make the tired "choice" claim: "What you choose to do with your sexual orientation is different in my mind than what you're born with as far as your race. What your attraction may be is something else, but how you act upon those impulses is a choice." Dude, this is just going to make it SO much fucking sweeter when we win.

Hate Group Has The Tom Corbett Sadz

"The Pennsylvania Family Institute expressed disappointment and dismay today at the decision of Gov. Tom Corbett not to appeal the decision by United States District Judge John E. Jones III overturning the historic and long-standing definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Marriage between one man and one woman has no parallels. Social science and human experience tells us there is nothing so beneficial to the well being of children as a mom and a dad committed to each other in marriage. This standard should be encouraged – not redefined and dismissed in favor of a new social experiment that could negatively impact children and families. Despite the setback, the Pennsylvania Family Institute will continue to fight for public policy that’s best for children and families." - The Pennsylvania Family Institute, via press release.

Brian Brown Has The Tom Corbett Sadz

"Governor Corbett claims to be a man of principle and a supporter of marriage. Indeed, in the very statement issued today announcing that he will not appeal this ruling, Corbett cites his own Catholic faith with regard to marriage. But Governor Corbett is abandoning marriage with this choice. He is also turning his back on the people of Pennsylvania and selling out his principles precisely when it is most necessary that he stand by them! Marriage is a unique public good that deserves a vigorous defense; however Governor Corbett has refused to step up to the task, and chosen instead to defend himself and his political aspirations.

"Governor Corbett's refusal to appeal this ruling completes the disenfranchisement of the people of Pennsylvania. For years they have been denied the right to vote on marriage. Now Governor Corbett has communicated to citizens of Pennsylvanians who have been fighting to be heard on this issue that he will join the ranks of the political elites unwilling to listen. Accordingly, Pennsylvania's voters must show Governor Corbett that he will be held accountable." - Hate group leader Brian Brown, adding that NOM will pursue an appeal on behalf of its Pennsylvania members. Which totally worked in Oregon.

BREAKING: Pennsylvania Governor WILL NOT Appeal Marriage Equality Ruling!

“I have thoroughly reviewed Judge Jones’ opinion in the Whitewood case. Given the high legal threshold set forth by Judge Jones in this case, the case is extremely unlikely to succeed on appeal. Therefore, after review of the opinion and on the advice of my Commonwealth legal team, I have decided not to appeal Judge Jones’ decision. As a Roman Catholic, the traditional teaching of my faith has not w​​avered. I continue to maintain the belief that marriage is between one man and one woman. My duties as Governor require that I follow the laws as interpreted by the Courts and make a judgment as to the likelihood of a successful appeal.

"Throughout the debate on this important and meaningful issue, I have maintained that Commonwealth officials and agencies would follow the provisions of Pennsylvania’s marriage law unless or until a court says otherwise. The court has spoken, and I will ensure that my administration follows the provisions of Judge Jones’ order with respect for all parties. It is my hope that as the important issue of same-sex relationships continues to be addressed in our society, that all involved be treated with respect." - Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett, in a statement posted to his website.

PA Gov. Tom Corbett: I'll Tell You What I Think About The Ruling Tomorrow

Pennsylvania Hate Group Has The Sadz

"Dear Gov. Corbett, I am greatly disappointed in the Federal Court ruling overturning Pennsylvania's Defense of Marriage Act and redefining marriage. I encourage you to continue to fight and to appeal this ruling. This ruling short-circuits the public debate and casts aside the will of the people of Pennsylvania and our elected representatives. I strongly urge you to appeal the ruling and to ask the court to prevent issuance of licenses to same-sex couples while the case is on appeal. Thank you again, and I look forward to your reply." - From the petition just launched by the Pennsylvania Family Council.

ACLU Petitions Pennsylvania Gov. Corbett: Don't Appeal Today's Marriage Ruling

Sign the petition.

PENNSYLVANIA: Governor Tom Corbett Backs LGBT Anti-Discrimination Bill

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett, who so far had been no friend to the gay community, has backed a bill that would protect LGBT residents from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations.

Corbett, who has previously staked out conservative positions on social issues, told The Inquirer that he was "coming out in support" of the bill after learning that federal law does not cover discrimination in the state. "I've had people come and talk to me about how they were discriminated against," said Corbett, who served for eight years as the state's attorney general. "The federal government has antidiscrimination laws. I believed they covered it." Corbett's support of legislation that has languished in the General Assembly for a decade is viewed by many advocates as a major step forward on a civil rights issue. "This is remarkably big news," said Ted Martin, executive director of Equality Pennsylvania, a statewide gay rights advocacy group. "His leadership will move the issue forward in a way that is long overdue."

Corbett says he's has not changed his mind about same-sex marriage, which he infamously compared to incest during an interview earlier this year.

PENNSYLVANIA: Marriage Trial Date Set

The Associated Press reports:

A federal judge Friday set June 9 as the trial date for a lawsuit challenging Pennsylvania's gay-marriage ban after rejecting a request to delay the proceeding. U.S. District Judge John E. Jones III also set a timetable for pre-trial motions and other paperwork to be filed before the trial at the federal courthouse in Harrisburg. Jones said a defense request to delay the trial until August would be unnecessary. "I'm an optimist by nature," he said. Pennsylvania is the only northeastern state that bars same-sex marriage. Nationally, Illinois this week joined 15 other states and the District of Columbia in allowing it. State Attorney General Kathleen Kane, a Democrat who took office in January, has refused to defend the law in court, saying it violates the state and federal constitutions.

This is the case brought by the ACLU.  Several other Pennsylvania marriage suits are working their way through the state and federal systems. For the ACLU case, Gov. Tom Corbett has hired former state Supreme Court Justice William Lamb to defend the state since the Attorney General has refused. Lamb will earn $400/hour and his associates will all bill the state at $325/hour.

PREVIOUSLY ON JMG: Last month Corbett filed a brief claiming that he is exempt from being named in the ACLU's suit. Three days before that he compared same-sex marriage to incest during an interview with a Harrisburg television station. In August he filed an ultimately successful suit to halt the issuing of marriage licenses by Montgomery County Clerk Bruce Hanes.

PENNSYLVANIA: Sims & McCarter Call On Gov. Corbett To Give Up Like Christie

Just in via press release:

State Reps. Brian Sims, D-Phila., and Steve McCarter, D-Montgomery/Phila., sponsors of a Pennsylvania marriage-equality bill, called on Gov. Tom Corbett to follow the lead of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie in dropping his appeal to legalized same-sex marriages in New Jersey.

“Once again, we’re seeing that even conservative Republicans are realizing that all Americans deserve equal rights,” Sims said. “Unfortunately, here in Pennsylvania, where LGBT Pennsylvanians lack even a single LGBT civil right, some members of the Republican Party would sooner be the Republicans of 1955 rather than 2025. It’s unconscionable that Pennsylvanians who get married out of state can still be fired for putting a wedding photo on their desks.”

“It’s a black eye on the state of Pennsylvania that nearly all of our neighboring states have decided to enter the 21st century and grant equality to all their citizens, yet we still are stuck in the Stone Age,” McCarter said. “Plain and simple, the fact that Pennsylvanians can now cross a border and be granted more rights than they currently have in their own state is a problem that needs to be addressed and it needs to be addressed now.”

PREVIOUSLY ON JMG: Two weeks ago Corbett filed a brief claiming that he is exempt from the marriage suit filed in federal court by the ACLU. Three days earlier he compared same-sex marriage to incest during an interview with a Harrisburg television station. In early September he hired an expensive outside firm to defend the state against the ACLU's case after state Attorney General Kathleen Kane refused to take the case. In August he filed an ultimately successful suit to halt the issuing of marriage licenses by Montgomery County Clerk Bruce Hanes.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett: You Can't Sue Me For Marriage Equality

Lawyers for Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett have filed a legal brief which claims that he is exempt from being named a defendant in marriage equality lawsuits filed in the federal court system.

Gov. Tom Corbett's legal team argued that the U.S. Constitution provides state officials immunity from being sued in federal court without their consent. The governor's lawyers contend that Corbett and Health Secretary Michael Wolf should be dismissed as defendants because of a 1972 Supreme Court ruling that says federal courts lack jurisdiction over state marriage laws. In a separate filing, lawyers for state Attorney General Kathleen Kane argued that she should not be a defendant because she is not enforcing the law. In addition to Corbett, Kane and Wolf, two county officials are named in the lawsuit. Lawyers in the case are scheduled to meet on Wednesday with Judge John E. Jones III to discuss scheduling matters, including the timing of a trial.

The suit in question was filed by the ACLU in July. Corbett has hired an outside legal team to defend against the suit.

RELATED: A separate suit has been filed by Montgomery County Clerk Bruce Hanes. That case will be heard by the state Commonwealth Court.

HomoQuotable - PA Rep. Brian Sims

Source.

PA Gov. Tom Corbett Fauxpologizes

"I explained that current Pennsylvania statute delineates categories of individuals unable to obtain a marriage license. As an example, I cited siblings as one such category, which is clearly defined in state law. My intent was to provide an example of these categories. My words were not intended to offend anyone. If they did, I apologize." - Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett, fauxpologizing for comparing gay marriage to incest during a interview aired this morning on Harrisburg television.

PENNSYLVANIA: Governor Tom Corbett Compares Same-Sex Marriage To Incest

Zack Ford writes at Think Progress:

In an interview Friday morning with WHP-TV, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett (R) demonstrated that his own impressions of marriage equality are just as offensive as those of his lawyers that he tried to distance himself in August. Arguing against a county clerk who’d begun issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, they suggested that those couples were just like 12-year-old children in being ineligible for marriage, but Corbett told anchor Sherry Christian that incest would be a better comparison.

And then he laughed. Note the shocked face of the host.

PENNSYLVANIA: Governor Hires Outside Attorney To Fight Marriage Lawsuit

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett has hired an outside attorney to defend against the marriage equality lawsuit brought in July. Because state Attorney General Kathleen Kane won't do it.

William Lamb, a Republican and founding partner of the West Chester-based firm Lamb McErlane, is one of the most prominent figures in that Pennsylvania legal community having served on the state Supreme Court and as district attorney for Chester County. Corbett's general counsel James Schultz said the "unique circumstances" of this case compelled the Office of General Counsel to retain expert assistance in this case. “The Office of General Counsel provides comprehensive legal services to numerous state agencies and executives, but we do not typically defend cases that solely challenge the constitutionality of a statute,” Schultz said. “Who better than a former Supreme Court Justice and his firm to assist in addressing this type of fundamental question?”

Lamb will earn $400/hour and members of his team will bill the state $325/hour each.

RELATED: The GOP ended up paying $3M (in federal money) to an outside firm to defend against Edith Windsor's successful lawsuit to overturn DOMA.