So far a petition hasn't worked, nor has a videotaped confrontation in the state Capitol.
Now gay activists demanding an apology from Sen. John Eichelberger are considering taking out newspaper ads in his Altoona district for what they call "bigoted" comments he made in a saying in a recent radio debate.
Eichelberger, sponsor of a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage said on a WHYY radio debate of gays "we allow them to exist."
Eichelberger was responding to a question from Sen. Daylin Leach (D., Montgomery) about whether Pennsylvania’s policy toward same-sex couples should be punitive. He said, “They’re not being punished. We’re allowing them to exist, and do what every American can do."
Michael Morrill, executive director of Keystone Progress, a multi-issue advocacy group, said he can't imagine any other ethnic group where such a comment would be considered acceptable.
Morrill led a group of about 20 activists who confronted Eichelberger on Monday outside the state Senate chamber. They presented him with a petition with 5,000 signatures seeking an apology.
When asked directly for an apology by Morrill Eichelberger said, "I think you know my answer to that," before disappearing into the Senate chamber. Morrill said activists are working on newspaper ads targetting the Senator next. "We want to voters in his district to known how he is representing them."
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Inalienable rights do not emanate from the government or its paid representatives. This State Senator is an idiot and a typical propagandist for his own power seeking. We let you exist Senator, by our consent you have a job. By our will you get to perform a function in our government. Your very role and any meaningful consequence resulting from that role is at the pleasure of the public who constituted the government. You do NOT allow anything or ANYONE. WE ALLOW YOU!— Fernando08
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This guy should run for President. He said what he believes, and that is the American way.— FJG JR- Comment removed.
- 22% of Americans consider themselves Republicans. Help the GOP... first become self-righteous, then learn to hate minorities, gays,and the poor! The GOP has an open door policy for bigots!— sundiatah
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- Uh, mensaman, the Supreme Court directly overturned Bowers v. Hardwick in 2003 (Lawrence v. Texas), showing that even they can admit when they have made a mistake. From the majority opinion: "Bowers was not correct when it was decided, and it is not correct today. It ought not to remain binding precedent. Bowers v. Hardwick should be and now is overruled" Can you admit the same?— Valley Twin
