Montgomery County Register of Wills D. Bruce Hanes, who issued marriage licenses to 174 same-sex couples, is appealing an order by Commonwealth Court President Judge Dan Pellegrini to stop, citing the Pennsylvania 1996 law that defines marriage as only between a man and a woman. While Hanes is on the right side of history, he is currently on the wrong side of the law.
Historically, civil disobedience has been a powerful force in fighting against unjust government actions. Rosa Parks was a catalyst of change when she decided to sit where she was unwelcome. At that point in history the law did not protect Parks’ rights, so she took the law into her own hands. Hanes’ attempts to overthrow the Pennsylvania Marriage Act, while rooted in an honorable cause, are a dangerous example to set for other county officers and public officials across the country.
