Gov. Paterson Introduces Legislation to Legalize Gay Marriage in New York
By Larry Mcshane
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
New York Gov. Paterson introduced legislation Thursday to legalize gay marriage in New York state - to raucous applause from lawmakers and advocates.
"The time has come to act," said Paterson, joined in his Manhattan office by Mayor Bloomberg. "The time has come to bring marriage equality to the state of New York."
Paterson's move came one day after New York's new archbishop, Timothy Dolan, made clear he would vigorously fight same-sex marriage legislation.
The governor noted his bill was the same one introduced in 2007, when it passed the Democrat-controlled Assembly before dying in the Senate.
The audience cheered and whooped wildly after Paterson announced his bill.
"It's time for this state to take the next step and insure the rights of same-sex couples," Bloomberg said.
Paterson, flanked by City Council head Christine Quinn, state Sen. Tom Duane and other officials, compared the need for same-sex marriage to the battle to abolish slavery.
"I understand the trepidation and anxiety people are feeling right now," Paterson said. "Rights should not be stifled by fears. What we should understand is silence should not be a response to injustice."
Although Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith backs the legislation, he doubts if there are sufficient votes to pass the measure.
Paterson has said New York's gay and lesbian couples are denied up to 1,350 civil protections - including health care and pension rights - because they cannot marry.
Reader Comments
Itt's Simply logic
It's sad to see heterosexuals blaming gays for their own personal failure. In what way does same sex marriage break down the union between a man and a woman? It just doesn't make any sense... how does another couple..ANY COUPLE affect your marriage? It doesn't. Marriage is not a religous union. Maybe at one time is was. But Christians handed the keys to marriage over to the government a long time ago. Atheists can be married. Convicetd Felons can be married. Sexual offenders can marry their victims if they want to, but two consenting homosexuals can't? That's the most backwards, illogical thing I've ever heard. END OF TOPIC! Additionally, marriage is not soley about procreation. If that were the case, fertility tests would be required in order to obtain a marriage license. The fight for same-sex marriage parallels that of interacial marriage half a century ago. All the same arguements were used and all those arguements were based on fear and ignorance. I have complete faith that we will overcome and human rights will prevail.
Marriage is a definition - find a new word
How will we differentiate what is a between a man and woman who can reproduce and have a family, vs. what is between a same-sex couple that can not. When it comes to marriage - family is the point. Same sex partners can have right - visiting, health and otherwise, but they should not be defined as "married" - how confusing that would be to the future generations. Whenever we spoke of a married couple we would have to differentiate between a heterosexual or same-sex marriage. I don't think it is morally right to take something as marriage and put our own definition to it. Family is the fundamental unit of society. While same-sex couples love eachother, they can not procreate. Why else would you get married? Marriage is the beginning of a family unit.
We just went through this in California after the majority had already voted to make marriage only between a man and a woman. Why is it that the legislature likes to bring up these very liberal and almost offensive views - it seems like they want to stir up the loud voices and quiet the majority of the Americans who feel deep down that there is physiological if not intuitive evidence that this should not be.
Give same-sex couples rights, because we know they love eachother, just don't call in "marriage".
Same Sex marriage
Same sex marriage does not hurt me or make me afraid. And....
marriage is between a man and a woman according to the definition in the dictionary and the accepted definition in the majority of today's society.
Marriage can be performed at the town hall - it does not need to be God-santioned. The church ceremony is only for religious people.
Bible stories from ages past are very different from stories in today's society - so taking multiple wives is irrelevant to the question. This is now illegal anyway!
Marriage is also conveniently set up ro provide procreation opportunities and a protected environment for the children of that union.
Civil rights laws are already changing to provide help for gay couples concerning hospital visitation, wills, etc.
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