On April 16, 2009, Governor David A. Paterson, who became New York State's 55th Governor on March 17, 2008, introduced a bill into the State Legislature to amend New York's Domestic Relations Law, governing marriages in the state, and give same-sex couples the "legal recognition afforded to partners of the opposite sex." The bill would allow same-sex partners to enter legally into civil marriages and enjoy the 1,324 rights and responsibilities heterosexual couples already have, with regard to such matters as property ownership, inheritance, health care and insurance coverage. It would make New York the fifth state, after Massachusetts, Connecticut and, now, Iowa and Vermont, to permit same-sex marriage. The bill must pass in the State Assembly and Senate before the end of the current legislative session, in just over two months, for Governor Paterson to be able to sign it into law.
"Marriage equality is about basic civil rights and personal freedom," Governor Paterson said, as he announced his introduction of the bill. He continued, "Too many individuals face legal discrimination every single day. Too many loving families do not receive the legal recognition they deserve. Anyone who has ever faced intolerance of any kind knows the solemn importance of protecting the rights of all people. That is why we stand together today to embrace civil rights for every New Yorker. We stand together today for marriage equality in the State of New York."
Openly gay State Senator Thomas K. Duane, who will sponsor the bill in the Senate, hailed the Governor's action saying, "Civil rights can never be held back. Eventually what is just and right always prevails. With Governor Paterson's leadership, we will break down the marriage barrier once and for all. I am proud to introduce this legislation in the Senate and I look forward to standing here with the Governor when he signs it into law."
Openly gay Assemblymember Daniel O'Donnell, sponsor of the bill in the Assembly, added, "I praise Governor Paterson for giving us this important civil rights bill so soon after the budget was finalized. Program Bills are a reflection of the Governor's priorities and I know that equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community has been one of his long and deeply held beliefs."
Empire State Pride Agenda (ESPA) Executive Director Alan Van Capelle released a statement, beginning, "We very much appreciate Governor Paterson introducing a marriage equality program bill into the legislature and continuing the momentum that has been growing on this important issue over the past several weeks. For a long time the governor has been a vocal advocate for passing [such] legislation," and continuing, "When the marriage bill passed in the State Assembly in 2007, Governor Paterson [then Lieutenant Governor] played an instrumental role in securing the needed votes in the moments leading up to the floor debate. The bill passed by a bipartisan vote of 85-61 and every single Assemblymember who voted for marriage on that night-Democrat and Republican-won their reelection last November."
The new bill is also expected to pass in the Assembly. In the Senate, the pro-LGBT Majority Leadership has pledged to bring the marriage bill to the floor for a vote when it has the support necessary to pass it. Said Van Capelle, "The Assembly and the Governor are on record in support of this bill, and a majority of New Yorkers support this bill. Now it's time for the Senate to get in line with the rest of New York."
ESPA (http://prideagenda.org) is urging New Yorkers to write to their State Senators, encouraging them to vote for the Governor's bill when it comes to the Senate floor and declaring, "Loving same-sex couples and their children should not be treated like second-class citizens by being denied access to the protections of marriage."
