Pa. House panel votes to censure GOP Rep. Bernstine over alleged slurs

In a move before the end of the legislative session, the Pennsylvania state House Rules committee voted unanimously to censure Republican Aaron Bernstine over alleged homophobic remarks made at a Harrisburg bar this fall.

The committee’s action, which is largely a symbolic gesture of disapproval, could set up a final vote by the full House next week.

After a prolonged recess Tuesday afternoon, House Speaker Joanna McClinton introduced House Resolution 676 to formally censure Bernstine “for his continued actions which are unbecoming a member of this House of Representatives.” House Republican leader Jesse Topper raised no objections and all 33 members of the committee voted for the resolution.

“This is a standard that will be held to both caucuses and is one the Speaker has been very clear about that all members are to be held to at all times,” said House Democratic leader Matt Bradford just before the vote.

Attending the committee meeting, though not a member, was Philadelphia Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who Bernstine was reported to have targeted with the slurs at a Harrisburg Pub in September.