By Jamie Brackman, Contributing Writer

Local Pennsylvania governments appear to be warming toward the acceptance of same-sex couples. The city of Easton is now one vote away from extending medical benefits to the partners of same-sex state employees.

It would would be the latest in a chain of Pennsylvania cities to extend benefits to same-sex couples.  Allentown was the last Lehigh Valley city to pass a similar ordinance back in January.

The ordinance will likely be passed by the Easton city council, which seems to be in unanimous agreement.  Council member Mike Fleck formally introduced the legislation for it’s first reading this week, and it’s second reading will take place in two weeks.

According to administrator Glenn Steckman, the cost of the legislation will be nominal.

“Allentown’s government has made a public statement that it fully supports its gay and lesbian workers and their families,” said Liz Bradbury about the Allentown legislation.

Allentown’s measure was preceded by similar decisions in Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. Even smaller towns like York and Lancaster in more conservative parts of the state have follow suit.

This new legislation is a part of a larger trend of public acceptance of same-sex couples.

A poll in April from Public Policy Polling showed that a majority PA voters are in favor of same-sex civil unions. Back in 2008, the ACLU released a similar poll to PA legislators which was largely ignored.