Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett Says He Won't Appeal Gay Marriage Ruling

A day after a federal judge knocked down Pennsylvania's gay marriage ban, Governor Tom Corbett announced that he will not appeal the ruling.

The move makes Pennsylvania the 19^th state, in addition to the District of Columbia, to allow gay couples to marry, and the second this week after Oregon.

“I have thoroughly reviewed Judge Jones’ opinion in the Whitewood case. Given the high legal threshold set forth by Judge Jones in this case, the case is extremely unlikely to succeed on appeal. Therefore, after review of the opinion and on the advice of my Commonwealth legal team, I have decided not to appeal Judge Jones’ decision,” Corbett, a Republican, said in a written statement.

“As a Roman Catholic, the traditional teaching of my faith has not w??avered. I continue to maintain the belief that marriage is between one man and one woman. My duties as Governor require that I follow the laws as interpreted by the Courts and make a judgment as to the likelihood of a successful appeal.”

“Throughout the debate on this important and meaningful issue, I have maintained that Commonwealth officials and agencies would follow the provisions of Pennsylvania’s marriage law unless or until a court says otherwise. The court has spoken, and I will ensure that my administration follows the provisions of Judge Jones’ order with respect for all parties.”

“It is my hope that as the important issue of same-sex relationships continues to be addressed in our society, that all involved be treated with respect,” he added.

Evan Wolfson, president of Freedom to Marry, applauded the decision.

“Governor Corbett's decision not to waste taxpayers' money defending the indefensible denial of the freedom to marry even one day longer is the right decision for Pennsylvania, for families, and for the country – and one more big step forward to celebrate,” Wolfson said in a statement. “Pennsylvania is showing the country that when gay couples share in the freedom to marry, it's joy, love, security, and happiness and a stronger community for everyone, and no one loses. And this latest decision by a Republican governor not to try to keep gay couples from marrying is additional proof that all of America is ready for the freedom to marry.”