PA House Passes Bill Eliminating 'Homosexuality' From Crimes Code

HARRISBURG — A bill to eliminate the phrase 'homosexuality' from the Pennsylvania Crimes Code has unanimously passed the state House of Representatives, and it now heads to the state Senate so that chamber can address the matter.

The legislation, which is House Bill 2125, removes references to the term 'homosexuality' within definitions of prohibited sexual acts in the state's criminal statutes.

The measure was introduced by State Rep. Todd Stephens, a Montgomery County Republican.

"This change is long overdue," Stephens said in a statement. "This is a relic from a bygone era when the LGBTQ community faced criminal charges for their love. Yet, even as we reformed our marriage laws, our statutes remained stuck in the past. It's time to finally change our laws to reflect reality."

The proposal also amends the definitions of "sexual activity" and "sexual conduct" by removing surplus language to remove certain ambiguities in the current state law.

Patch previously reported on the House bill here.

The fact that the measure passed unanimously and in a bipartisan fashion speaks volumes about how far society has come with regard to issues concerning the LGBTQ+ community.

"Love should never be illegal," Stephens said in his statement.

Patch reached out to Gov. Tom Wolf's office and a spokesperson said if the bill ends up reaching his desk, he will absolutely sign it.

"The governor supports the bill in its current form," said Press Secretary Elizabeth Rementer. "It's long overdue."