HARRISBURG -- Proponents of same-sex marriage will hold a news conference, rally and march here this afternoon, led by the sponsor of a bill that would permit gays and lesbians marry, state Sen. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery.

The events, in which state Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Philadelphia, also will participate, are the start of a week-long series of events called Freedom to Marry Week. Also to attend is the Rev. Justin Osterman of the Main Line Unitarian Church in suburban Philadelphia.

"Through legislative initiatives and previous calls to action, I've fought long and hard to secure the same rights to same-sex couples that are offered to married men and women," said Mr. Leach, sponsor of Senate Bill 935.

"At times, it can be a lonely road fighting for what's right," he added. "That's why I am glad to partner with such esteemed individuals to make our voices heard ... to finally obtain equality for all couples in Pennsylvania."

Others involved in Freedom to Marry Week include the Pennsylvania Diversity Network, the LGBT Center Coalition and the Interfaith Alliance of Pennsylvania.

The legislation would not require religious institutions to recognize any marriages that they don't wish to sanction.

"If my bill passes, same-sex couples would no longer be treated as a second-class group of citizens," Mr. Leach said. "I have no doubt that 15 years from now, same-sex marriage will be legal in all 50 states and people will be as ashamed that we ever banned it as they are now that we ever banned interracial marriage."

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