New York Governor David Paterson. FILE PHOTO
Governor David Paterson is attempting to succeed where his predecessor couldn't - getting a same-sex marriage bill through the State Legislature.
Paterson unveiled a bill this morning that would give same-sex couples the same legal rights as opposite-sex couples.
"Marriage equality is about civil rights and personal freedom," Paterson said in a statement.
In framing the issue, Paterson is trying to separate civil marriage from religious marriage. No church or religious figure will be compelled to marry same-sex couples, says a press release issued by Paterson's office.
Marriage equality advocates say same-sex couples are shut out of the legal benefits of marriage - laws that deal with issues like property ownership, health insurance, taxes, and the right to visit a hospitalized partner.
The bill's likely to pass in the Assembly, just as a bill introduced by former Governor Eliot Spitzer did in 2007. It was supported mostly by Democrats, though it got a few Republican votes, too.
The governor and same-sex marriage advocates will have a tougher fight in the State Senate. Democrats hold a slim majority and some members, like Senator Ruben Diaz, oppose same-sex marriage. If any Republicans support such a bill, they haven't said so publicly. The state Conservative Party, which many Republican senators are aligned with, opposes it.
Meanwhile, groups for and against legalizing same-sex marriage have started campaigning.
Something to keep in mind: the ground may soon not be so fertile for the passage of such a bill. Paterson, a Democrat and supporter of same-sex marriage, would obviously sign the bill. That's not a sure thing with another governor - an increasing likely scenario considering Paterson's rock-bottom approval ratings.
Comments for "CIVIL RIGHTS: Another try on same-sex marriage bill " (3)
City Newspaper is not responsible for the content of these comments. City Newspaper reserves the right to remove comments at their discretion.
jeremy said on Apr. 16, 2009 at 3:46pm
I believe you meant to say "predecessor" in the first paragraph.
Jeremy Moule said on Apr. 16, 2009 at 3:59pm
Jeremy,
Thanks for pointing that out. Sometimes my fingers move faster than my brain. We've made the correction -- Spitzer is indeed Paterson's predecessor, not his successor.
Emelye Waldherr said on Apr. 19, 2009 at 4:48pm
Gov. Patterson's bill has a great deal of merit and it ought to be seriously considered. That said, I hope this won't take the legislature's attention away from another, more serious, fight for equal protections under the law for gender nonconforming people. The Gender Expression Non Discrimination Act is vital protection for gender nonconforming people, no matter what their sexual orientation is. Especially in times like these when jobs are hard to come by, it's a travesty that someone can be fired because of who they are and because of a rare and misunderstood medical condition they have.
Civil marriage equality is very important. Transgender people know this and fight for it but it is much more important to be able to keep a job, and a roof over your head, than it is to marry your same sex sweetheart. Marriage equality is a good idea, GENDA is vital.
Leave A Comment
Respond on Your Blog
Create an Account
or
Login
If you have a City Account you can not only post comments, but you can also respond to articles in your own City Blog. It's just another way to make your voice heard.