To the Editor,

As of Aug, 1, nine states in the northeast corner of the U.S. will allow same-sex couples to marry.

Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia have all passed bills in their state legislatures that allow "gay" marriages to be recognized by states, and for all couples to be given equal rights that come with marriage. Even New Jersey has a law that legalizes civil unions.

Now the question is, could Pennsylvania be next?

According to pollsters such as Public Policy Polling, support among Pennsylvanians for same-sex marriage has increased to 45 percent in support. That is an increase of 9 percent in two years.

I believe support for gay marriage in our state will continue to increase. But even if support increases, would it be likely for our state legislators to propose and pass a bill that would legalize it?

The short answer is probably not. I doubt Governor [Tom] Corbett would sign such a bill.

Furthermore the legislature is currently controlled by legislators who belong to the Republican party, which has a history of not supporting same-sex marriage.

In the long run though, the tables could possibly turn in 2014 when Governor [Tom] Corbett is up for re-election and another candidate could take the seat from him.

Issues like same-sex marriage will become more important in the coming years and the legislators we elect will play an important role in determining the outcome of same-sex marriage for the state of Pennsylvania.

Gerald Schlechter

Emmaus High School