Do You Support New York's Legalization of Gay Marriage?

A	Yes! A long overdue measure to support love in its many forms.

B	No, gay marriage is not a civil right.

By a slim margin of 33-29, the Marriage Equality Act passed the New York State Senate on June 24, 2011, just days before the anniversary of the landmark Stonewall riots in Greenwhich Village and on the cusp of New York City's annual Gay Pride celebration. Governor Cuomo signed the same-sex marriage measure immediately and the law will go into effect thirty days from now, on July 24. The bill is being heralded as a landmark decision with a potentially far-reaching impact on the U.S.'s on-going debate over gay civil rights.

"....the number of Americans in same-sex marriage states more than doubles," NPR reports. "New York's population of 19 million surpasses the combined total of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire and Iowa, plus Washington, D.C., where same-sex marriages are legal."

"The outcome — a product of intensive lobbying by the new Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo — will have nationwide repercussions. Activists hope the New York vote will help convince judges and politicians across the country, including a hesitant President Obama, that support of same-sex marriage is now a mainstream viewpoint and a winning political stance."

"New York sends the message that marriage equality

across the country is a question of "when," not "if."

- Fred Sainz, vice president of the Human Rights Campaign

Despite each state's individual victories, the federal "Defense of Marriage Act" still maintains that a state may chose whether or not to honor same-sex marriages performed in other states, in addition to upholding the religious importance placed on the gender of individuals wishing to enter into a government contract of marriage. Currently, same-sex couples cannot get married in 44 states and all but 14 of those have passed constitutional amendments specifically banning gay marriage.

White House spokesman Shin Inouye said of Obama's stance on the subject, "The President has long believed that gay and lesbian couples deserve the same rights and legal protections as straight couples."

"That's why he has called for repeal of the so-called 'Defense of Marriage Act' and determined that his Administration would no longer defend the constitutionality of DOMA in the courts. The states should determine for themselves how best to uphold the rights of their own citizens. The process in New York worked just as it should."

Does New York's approval of same-sex marriages spell a victory for a more progressive and less bigoted government? Or should Christian ideals of marriage between only one man and one woman prevail? (Cast your vote regarding the 'Defense of Marriage Act' here.)

Photographer and activist Kay Lahusen seen calling for equality in the days after the Stonewall riots, nearly forty-two years ago. Photo from Wikipedia.

Casandra Armour

Do You Support New York's Legalization of Gay Marriage?

Casandra Armour

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