US: Pennsylvania official compares equal marriage benefits to ‘giving money out to people’s pets’
An official in the US state of Pennsylvania has taken a financial stance in opposing equal marriage benefits for same-sex couples, comparing it to same-sex couples to offering “money out to peoples’ pets”.
Speaking on the extension of equal marriage benefits to same-sex couples in the state, Lehigh County Commissioner Tom Creighton made the comments whilst pushing an amendment which would deny equal benefits to same-sex partners of county employees.
“The state has a ban on same-sex marriage, so why should the county be offering benefits for same-sex marriage?” he questioned.
“I don’t feel the county should be looking for new ways to give away taxpayer money. Next it could be giving money out to peoples’ pets or whatever. No, it probably won’t go that far.”
Brian Sims and Steve McCarter, both Democrat members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, will formally announce the introduction of the Pennslyvania Marriage Equality Act during news conference at 10am local time (3pm BST).
