Pennsylvania
The following is an overview of the laws of the state of Pennsylvania. It should not be used as legal advice and is provided as information only. Family Fairness does not warrant that this information is current or comprehensive.
Updated: 05/30/2009
Same-Sex Relationships
| Performs Same-Sex Marriages "It is hereby declared to be the strong and longstanding public policy of this commonwealth that marriage shall be between one man and one woman." 23 PA. CONS. STAT. §1704. |
No |
| Recognizes Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriage "A marriage between person of the same sex which was entered into in another state or foreign jurisdiction, even if valid where entered into, shall be void in this commonwealth." 23 PA. CONS. STAT. §1704. |
No |
| Other Recognition: None | No |
Gay and Lesbian Adoption
| Single LGBT Adoption State law permits any individual to adopt. 23 PA. CONS. STAT. § 2312. |
Yes |
| Joint Same-Sex Adoption No explicit prohibition, and no higher state court has yet heard a case. Some lower courts, however, have granted same-sex joint adoptions. |
Maybe |
| Gay or lesbian adoption of a partner's child Expressly permitted by the state Supreme Court. In re Adoption of R.B.F. and R.C.F., 803 A.2d 1195, (Pa. 2002). |
Yes |
Housing Discrimination
| Protections on the basis of sexual orientation No explicit protections. |
No |
| Protections on the basis of gender identity No explicit protections. |
No |
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