THE MESSAGE
Taking a Stand for Marriage Equality
Last Friday, New York Governor Eliot Spitzer became the first governor in the nation to introduce a marriage equality bill in his state’s legislature. Spitzer’s action, less than a year after New York’s highest court stumbled, reflects the momentum towards marriage equality we have seen thus far in 2007, as a record number of states consider marriage bills and move forward on related measures. [For a list of marriage equality advances in 2007, visit the Get Informed:History & Timeline section of our website.]
In a powerful editorial, the New York Times said, "Mr. Spitzer is right to be fighting for gay marriage…what he calls “a simple moral imperative”…well worth the governor’s full efforts.”
The Report Same-Sex Couples and Same-Sex Couples Raising
Children in New York: Data from Census 2000 |
The Resource
The Freedom to Marry: Keep Dancing
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The Number
63%, supporters of Spitzer introducing a marriage equality bill according to a recent Crain's online poll |
The Map Relationship Recognition in the U.S. (HRC) |
THE SPOTLIGHT: New York
Empire State Pride Agenda, along with 125-plus LGBT organizations, labor unions, congregations, religious groups, and numerous state representatives from all across New York, have been working closely with Governor Spitzer to ensure fullfillment of his campaign promise to introduce marriage equality legislation.
Stressing the work ahead, Alan Van Capelle, executive director of Empire State Pride Agenda, said, "It is important for people to know that the governor's role doesn't end today, but really our work just begins. We want to work with the governor to encourage the Legislature, beginning with the Assembly, to pass this bill this year."
The work ahead begins tomorrow at the LGBT Equality and Justice Day, where the largest number of LGBT New Yorkers to lobby legislators since 1971, 1,000-plus, are expected at a lunchtime rally at East Capitol Park in Albany, New York. For more information, or to register for the event, visit Empire State Pride Agenda.
THE NEWS
For the latest news, opinions, and polls, including these articles, check out our website.
National
Pols Wavering on Marriage IssueNewsday; April 30, 2007
John Newsome, a non-profit consultant, comments on how South Africa, Spitzer, mayors have taken stands, but Clinton, Obama and others equivocate.
NJ Civil Unions
After Two Months & Why "Marriage" Still Matters
BLOG:The Huffington Post; April 24, 2007
Civil unions and domestic partnerships may seem fine on paper, but they just don't work in the real world.
Regional
N.H. Lawmakers Approve Civil UnionsNew York Times; April 27, 2007
New Hampshire is set to become the fourth state to offer civil unions for gay couples with legislation approved Thursday and sent to Gov. John Lynch, who has said he would sign it.
Mr. Spitzer and Marriage
New York Times; April 24, 2007
The news that Gov. Eliot Spitzer will soon introduce a bill to legalize same-sex marriages — what he calls "a simple
moral imperative" — is welcome and could give new national momentum to this important cause.
