For Immediate Release                       
January 30, 2006

Congressman Pitts Receives

Prison Fellowship’s Wilberforce Award

Washington–- Prison Fellowship, a prison outreach ministry founded by Charles Colson in 1976, has chosen Congressman Joe Pitts (R, PA-16) as the recipient of its 2006 William Wilberforce Award.  The award is named after the 18^th century British Parliamentarian whose stand for principle helped end the British Slave

“There is no relationship more fundamental to the health of our families and our society than marriage,” Congressman Pitts said.  “Unfortunately, marriage is in danger in America, and Pennsylvania is no exception.  Passing a constitutional amendment to protect marriage is the best way for Pennsylvanians to have their voice heard on this important issue.  Failing to do so could very well mean that our state’s definition of marriage will be defined for us by an activist court.”

Background

To date, 19 states have amended their constitutions to protect the definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman.

To amend the Pennsylvania state constitution, a proposed amendment must be approved by a majority vote in the General Assembly in two successive sessions of the Assembly.  Once that is accomplished, the amendment can be placed on a statewide election ballot as a referendum. If a majority of statewide voters approve the referendum, the amendment is adopted.

So far, Rep. Boyd’s amendment has 89 co-sponsors in the House.  State Senator Bob Regola (R-Westmoreland) is working to introduce the amendment in the Senate.

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