Is New York Next for Same-sex Marriage?

Will New York be next in passing same-sex marriage? Probably not. Of course I don't have a crystal ball, and anything it seems, is possible. Whether it happens next or this year is yet to be seen, however, that will not stop our courageous Governor, David Paterson, from introducing the legislation this week.

David Paterson has many critics and many of them feel that he is basically an ineffectual leader for the state of New York. We are at a time when many other issues also need to be addressed and David Paterson has now chosen to tackle this important issue of equality. Those critics, although not terribly vocal in opposition to same-sex marriage, question his timing.

It also seems that the Democratically controlled State Senate does not have enough support to pass the legislation this year. So many wonder why David Paterson would force the issue now. I for one, applaud our Governor for taking a strong stand on this issue. He had mentioned many times in the past how strongly he feels about the subject, citing his family's friendly relationship with a gay couple while he was growing up.

New York is long overdue to have marriage equality for all of its citizens. It's amazing that a blue state with a long history of tolerance and its "cutting edge" reputation would lag so far behind other states in its recognition of legal equality for gay and lesbian residents. What many don't understand is that outside of Manhattan, in upstate New York, the views are much more conservative than those in the city. New York is a rather rural state with lots of farmland and open spaces. Along with that sparse geography comes much resistance to the more liberal attitudes of those living downstate.

David Paterson is one of a few leaders that truly understands the importance of equality for all citizens. There should be no other larger issue for a state based on its country's defining principle. America's history of equality has been evolving from its inception as an independent country. The U.S. was founded on the very notion of freedom and equality. Without these unalienable rights, what would we have?

In general most New Yorkers agree that same-sex couples should have some form of legal protection for their relationships. In a new poll conducted by Quinnipiac, 41% of New Yorkers support gay marriage and another 33% support civil unions. That is an astounding 74%, almost three-quarters of New York residents are in favor of legal recognition and protection for same-sex couples.

Now is the time to contact your New York State Representative to let him/her know how important it is to pass marriage equality legislation. Timing is everything, and right now we have a willing Governor to sign this legislation into law. It's right at our fingertips. Shame on our legislators if they let this opportunity slip out of their hands. Link to the New York State Senate website for a list of State Senators and their email addresses. If they understand that New Yorkers are behind this important legislation, some might (should) feel obligated to support the measure of same-sex marriage.