Today New York’s Gov. Andrew Cuomo is holding a marriage pow-wow with leading professional activists to figure out how they can push a gay marriage bill through the legislature and onto his desk. Among the attendees: lawmakers Daniel O’Donnell (brother to Rosie) and Tom Duane (wonderful screamer); City Council Speaker Christine Quinn (always right); Ross Levi, executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda (who took the job out of the hands of our next guest); Brian Ellner, head of HRC’s New York marriage effort (ironic for a federally-focused hacktivist group); Richard Socarides, executive director of Equality Matters and the man who helped Bill Clinton defend his DOMA signature. Not on the list: Marriage Equality New York. Guess who’s bitter!
Joann Prinzivalli
When I first glanced at the headline, I thought it was a “bathroom” meeting, rather than a “backroom” meeting. While I am all in favor of getting marriage equality in New York, it’s too bad Governor Cuomo is not providing similar prioritization for GENDA.
I think a part of the reason for that could be the fact that the Governor and his top aide on civil rights issues, Alonso David, were responsible for getting the American Eagle Outfitters settlement when he was Attorney General. This was a very important case and one of the crowning jewels in Governor Cuomo’s record as Attorney General. So there seems to be this sense that trans civil rights can be on the back burner at this point in time.
I am also amazed that HRC was invited to this meeting, while MENY was not. That may come from Andrrew’s own beltway experience when he was working for the Clinton Administration in HUD. But I agree with Cathy Marino-Thomas – the grass roots folks should not have been snubbed. OTH, if the marriage bill does go through, it’s going to be all hugs and kisses.
GENDA should move this year, too – I hope. But no one is calling *me* to a meeting with the governor . . .