MaryCatherineRoper

It isn't that the state isn't defending -- the AG said she wouldn't defend, but we don't know what the governor or the other defendants will say yet. We expect that someone will defend the suit. We (obviously) think we can win the case by showing the court that none of the reasons people give for discriminating against lesbian and gay couples hold water. But no sane litigator handicaps her own case. :-)

Hello, Reddit! I am Mary Catherine Roper, Senior Staff Attorney for the ACLU of Pennsylvania. I am one of the lawyers for the plaintiffs in Whitewood v. Corbett, the brand new freedom to marry suit filed in federal court in Pennsylvania. I am excited to talk to you all!

Awesome!!!! There are many ways to help. First, spread the word! Share links about the case and about events close to you that support the freedom to marry. And talk to your friends -- we know that personal conversations are what change people's minds. The ACLU of PA also has LOTS of uses for volunteers, email us at [email protected].
And, of course, all of this work takes money: http://www.aclupa.org/supportus/makeataxdeductiblegift.htm or https://www.aclu.org/donate/join-renew-give?oth_o4fpa_redditAMA. Thanks for your support!

The AG refusing to support the law doesn't mean the suit won't go forward -- there are four other defendants and the law is still being enforced. But having the highest law enforcement official in the state say she believes the law is unconstitutional is HUGE for Pennsylvanians. And she said it beautifully. In announcing her position, AG Kane said that her position requires her both to defend the laws of Pennsylvania and to protect the constitutional rights of Pennsylvanians. And when there’s a conflict, she said, “I choose you.” As a Pennsylvanian, I am proud to have an AG who stands up for me!

The Full Faith and Credit Clause allows states to make public policy exceptions. We think that courts will recognize the freedom to marry under the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment. See the claims in our complaint: http://www.aclupa.org/downloads/Whitewoodcomplaint.pdf