THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE BILL

INTRODUCED BY LEACH, FONTANA, WASHINGTON, FERLO, BOSCOLA, WILLIAMS AND TARTAGLIONE, MARCH 12, 2009

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY, MARCH 12, 2009  

AN ACT

Establishing March 13 as "Acceptance Day" in Pennsylvania.

WHEREAS, Researchers at San Fransisco State University have

determined that how parents react to being told their child is

gay has a major impact on the child's future mental health and

self-esteem; and

WHEREAS, The study showed, more specifically, that teens and

young adults who receive negative feedback when coming out to

their parents are eight times more likely to attempt suicide,

six times more likely to suffer severe depression and three

times more likely to use illegal drugs than those who receive

acceptance and compassion from their parents; and

WHEREAS, Many parents are unaware of the importance of not

rejecting a child who is homosexual, and it is in the best

interests of this Commonwealth that such understanding be

fostered; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That March 13 be established as "Acceptance Day" in

Pennsylvania.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1.  Acceptance Day.

March 13 of each year is hereby established as "Acceptance

Day" in Pennsylvania.

Section 2.  Proclamation.

The Governor shall issue annually his proclamation

designating and setting apart March 13 as "Acceptance Day" and

calling upon the citizens and residents of this Commonwealth,

especially parents, to reflect on the importance of accepting

all persons regardless of their sexual orientation and to

reflect on the negative impact of ostracism.

Section 3.  Effective date.

This act shall take effect in 60 days.