NY governor unveils bill to legalize gay marriage
NY governor unveils bill to legalize gay marriage
Copyright by Gay Chicago Magazine
May 15, 2007
ALBANY, NY (AP) - Democratic Gov. Eliot Spitzer, following through on a campaign pledge, unveiled a bill to legalize gay marriage in New York while also acknowledging that the proposal has little chance of being approved by state lawmakers.
“This legislation would create equal legal protection and responsibilities for all individuals who seek to marry or have their marriage protected in the state of New York,” Spitzer said in a statement announcing his action. “Strong, stable families are the cornerstones of our society. The responsibilities inherent in the institution of marriage benefit those individuals and society as a whole.”
But state Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, a Republican, immediately declared himself still opposed to the notion of having New York join neighboring Massachusetts as the only U.S. states permitting same-sex marriage.
Noting a host of other recent proposals from the new governor, including one to overhaul New York’s campaign finance laws, Bruno said, “This governor has his priorities wrong.”
Bruno said that given the fatal shooting of a state trooper, Spitzer should be worried more about bringing back the death penalty for those who kill police officers and creating jobs. As Bruno spoke, Spitzer was headed to the Binghamton, New York, area to talk about economic development, an aide to the governor noted.
Spitzer has said he is aware that Bruno’s continued opposition effectively blocks the measure from moving ahead in the state Legislature.
“I do not think there is a realistic shot that it gets passed, but I will submit it because it’s a statement of principle that I believe in and I want to begin that dynamic,” Spitzer said as he discussed his plans to introduce the measure.
The move by Spitzer drew praise from supporters of gay marriage.
“Today is a watershed moment in our community’s struggle to win the freedom to marry in New York,” said Alan Van Capelle, executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda, New York’s largest homosexual rights advocacy group.
Spitzer’s action comes the day after the New Hampshire Senate voted to add the state to the growing list of those allowing civil unions. New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch has said he will sign the measure, which will allow same-sex unions as of Jan. 1.
Three other U.S. states already offer civil unions for gay couples: New Jersey, Connecticut and Vermont. A similar measure was approved by the New Hampshire Senate and the governor has said he would sign it into law.
In New York, Spitzer is the most prominent Democrat to support same-sex marriage. Both Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Charles Schumer have said they instead favor civil unions.
Copyright by Gay Chicago Magazine
May 15, 2007
ALBANY, NY (AP) - Democratic Gov. Eliot Spitzer, following through on a campaign pledge, unveiled a bill to legalize gay marriage in New York while also acknowledging that the proposal has little chance of being approved by state lawmakers.
“This legislation would create equal legal protection and responsibilities for all individuals who seek to marry or have their marriage protected in the state of New York,” Spitzer said in a statement announcing his action. “Strong, stable families are the cornerstones of our society. The responsibilities inherent in the institution of marriage benefit those individuals and society as a whole.”
But state Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, a Republican, immediately declared himself still opposed to the notion of having New York join neighboring Massachusetts as the only U.S. states permitting same-sex marriage.
Noting a host of other recent proposals from the new governor, including one to overhaul New York’s campaign finance laws, Bruno said, “This governor has his priorities wrong.”
Bruno said that given the fatal shooting of a state trooper, Spitzer should be worried more about bringing back the death penalty for those who kill police officers and creating jobs. As Bruno spoke, Spitzer was headed to the Binghamton, New York, area to talk about economic development, an aide to the governor noted.
Spitzer has said he is aware that Bruno’s continued opposition effectively blocks the measure from moving ahead in the state Legislature.
“I do not think there is a realistic shot that it gets passed, but I will submit it because it’s a statement of principle that I believe in and I want to begin that dynamic,” Spitzer said as he discussed his plans to introduce the measure.
The move by Spitzer drew praise from supporters of gay marriage.
“Today is a watershed moment in our community’s struggle to win the freedom to marry in New York,” said Alan Van Capelle, executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda, New York’s largest homosexual rights advocacy group.
Spitzer’s action comes the day after the New Hampshire Senate voted to add the state to the growing list of those allowing civil unions. New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch has said he will sign the measure, which will allow same-sex unions as of Jan. 1.
Three other U.S. states already offer civil unions for gay couples: New Jersey, Connecticut and Vermont. A similar measure was approved by the New Hampshire Senate and the governor has said he would sign it into law.
In New York, Spitzer is the most prominent Democrat to support same-sex marriage. Both Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Charles Schumer have said they instead favor civil unions.
posted by Carlos T Mock @ 6:57 PM
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