After gay marriage was legalized in Pennsylvania on May 20, there was a state-wide uproar with citizens voicing opinions, ranging from joy to rage.
A survey of Bradford residents indicate the local area is equally torn between supporting and opposing views, with many remaining neutral on the subject.
Individuals against gay marriage referenced Bible verses to support their position or said they believed a same-sex union was “unnatural.”
“I don’t approve of it because the Bible doesn’t approve of it,” said a 23 year old man who declined to identify himself. “Plus, with gay marriage being legal in Pennsylvania, a lot of welfare-recipient lesbians will come here.”
Also against gay marriage was Bruce Thompson, 49.
“Two gays getting married in any state is wrong. It’s unnatural and not how it’s meant to be,” Thompson said.
Remaining neutral on the subject was 50-year-old David Jones.
“I’m an old-school Catholic, and I believe we were put on this Earth to make kids, but who am I to say two men or two women can’t be together? I’ll be respectful of their choice,” Jones said.
Supporters of the recent bill stressed for equality throughout the U.S. and saw little difference between heterosexual and homosexual unions.
“If it’s legal in other states, why not make it legal here? There are only moral issues, not issues of practicality,” Stella Lunn, 60, said.
Also in support of gay marriage was 26-year-old Anthony Cavallaro.
“I have no problem with gay marriage, I have always been a supporter. Traditional marriage has gone down hill so much, so what’s the difference?” Cavallaro said.
Putting legal benefits and reproduction aside, one resident believes marriage should be based solely on love.
“For those using the Bible to oppose gay marriage, listen to The Beatles. We should live by The Beatles’ views on love instead of the Bible’s,” Johnny Pupo told The Era.
Pennsylvania was the last northeastern state to continue to ban marriages between same-sex partners, and also did not recognize unions granted in other states. The decision saw the Pennsylvania became the nineteenth state that affords marriage rights to same-sex couples.
