Newtown Considering 'Love Day' In Support Of LGBTQ+ Youth​

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — Newtown Township is considering a "Love Day" resolution in support of local LGBTQ+ youth. The resolution, discussed at the supervisors' Feb. 12 meeting, was tabled and will be considered at the upcoming meeting on Feb. 26.

Inspired by State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, the resolution would designate Feb. 15 at "Love Day" as a show of support for the LGBTQ+ community in Newtown Township and Bucks County.

Santarsiero first presented the idea for such a measure in Harrisburg earlier this month. However, it failed to get enough support for a floor vote.

According to Newtown Township Supervisor John Mack, Newtown Borough passed a similar resolution in February.

"The rate of suicide among teenagers within the LGBTQ+ community is nearly four times higher than that of their heterosexual peers," Mack noted, urging support for the measure.

Supervisor Dennis Fisher said he "wholeheartedly" supports the measure but wanted some time to review the resolution before voting.

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It will be considered Feb. 26, after being tabled on a motion from Chairman Phil Calabro.

Santarsiero's resolution was aimed to be in celebration of a prom that the Rainbow Room in Doylestown hosted on Feb. 15.

"It is not okay that in Pennsylvania, in the year 2020, it is still perfectly legal to discriminate against members of the LGBTQ+ community. We should all be ashamed of that, and actively fight to make our Commonwealth an inclusive place for all residents, especially our children," Santarsiero said in a statement.