The ongoing fight for marriage equality has come to Pennsylvania.
A federal lawsuit was filed Tuesday by the American Civil Liberties Union challenging the state`s law that effectively bans same-sex marriage.
This filing comes roughly two weeks after the United States Supreme Court ruled the Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, unconstitutional.
At Rainbow Mountain near Marshalls Creek, the secluded resort has provided the gay and lesbian community place to get away since 1981.
Owner Richard Spezzano says this is also a spot where people of any sexual orientation can relax and be themselves.
“We treat everyone, it doesn`t matter whether they`re gay, straight, whatever their feelings are on different things, whether they`re a couple or whether they`re single, we treat everyone equally and make them feel like family here,” said Spezzano.
Pennsylvania is still among the states that do not recognize same sex marriages by denying those couples benefits enjoyed by straight couples.
Now the American Civil Liberties Union has filed a federal lawsuit in Harrisburg, challenging the state`s ban on same sex marriage.
This comes roughly two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the DOMA, Defense of Marriage Act.
Spezzano says Pennsylvania`s law is discriminatory and makes some gays hesitant to show affection in public.
“Just the fact that two people cannot go out somewhere else and hold hands, as simple as walking around holding hands, yes, that`s absolutely the problem, “said Spezzano.
However many support the ban on gay marriage.
On WNEP`s Facebook page, these were some of the comments posted:
Holly says “…every time we twist the bible to fit what we want we are only justifying our sin for what we know is wrong…”
Mike says “Remember PA.....it was Adam and Eve....not Adam and Steve!”
“When people believe it for religious reason, I think they truly belief it because they feel that way. I don’t think they mean any harm,” said Spezzano. “But they don`t realize is we are not hurting anyone, all we want to do is partner up, be in love just like anyone else.”