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Gay Philadelphia Lawmaker To Introduce Gay Marriage Bill


HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A gay Pennsylvania legislator says he'll introduce a bill to legalize same-sex marriages in his home state.

Rep. Brian Sims said Thursday that this week's U.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of gay marriage shows that it's time Pennsylvania joined the 12 states that allow gay marriage, including neighbors New York, Delaware and Maryland.

The Philadelphia Democrat says there's no reason that gay couples shouldn't enjoy the same rights and benefits as other married couples.

In 2012, Sims became the first openly gay candidate to be elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

Every other state in the northeastern United States allows same-sex marriage except New Jersey, and it allows civil unions.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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