New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo introduces marriage equality bill
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo today introduced the marriage equality bill. In a statement, he said:
From the fight for women’s suffrage to the struggle for civil rights, New Yorkers have been on the right side of history. But on the issue of marriage equality, our state has fallen behind. For too long, same-sex couples have been denied the freedom to marry, as well as hundreds of rights that other New Yorkers take for granted. Marriage Equality is a matter of fairness and legal security for thousands of families in this state – not of religion or culture. When it comes to fighting for what’s right, New Yorkers wrote the book, and Marriage Equality is the next chapter of our civil rights story.
According to the governor’s press release, the Marriage Equality Act would amend New York’s Domestic Relations Law to state:
- A marriage that is otherwise valid shall be valid regardless of whether the parties to the marriage are of the same or different sex
- No government treatment or legal status, effect, right, benefit, privilege, protection or responsibility relating to marriage shall differ based on the parties to the marriage being the same sex or a different sex
- All relevant gender-specific language set forth in or referenced by New York law shall be construed in a gender-neutral manner
- No application for a marriage license shall be denied on the ground that the parties are of the same or a different sex
Meanwhile, four more senators came out in support of marriage yesterday in New York! But our work isn’t done. Call 518.455.2800 & ask for your senator, state your name, address and say, “As your constituent, I urge you to support marriage for same-sex couples because… (Insert your personal reason)”
Don’t know who your senator is? Find out: http://www.nysenate.gov/senators
The Task Force is assisting New Yorkers United for Marriage in making marriage legal for same-sex couples in the Empire State. Every Monday to Thursday, Task Force organizers are joining with other coalition partners and supporters for phone banks to call voters in key districts.
With just a few days left in the legislative session, every phone call is critical. To get involved in the phone banks and to learn about additional volunteer opportunities, please contact Task Force Field Organizer Causten Wollerman at 202.841.0291 or cwollerman@thetaskforce.org.
Phone Banks to Win Marriage
Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
5-8:30 PM
SEIU 1199 office
330 W 42nd St., 7th floor
(between 8 & 9 avenues)
New York, N.Y.
