As expected, New York Gov. David Paterson today introduced his own bill to the legislature to push for marriage equality. When it was announced earlier this week, it took many, including his own supporters, by surprise. Let its novelty die down — while we figure out whether Paterson’s move does more good or harm for gay marriage in New York.
New York
WATCH: Gov. Paterson Introduces Marriage Equality Bill
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JPinWeHo
I don’t care if this guy has political motivations or not or whether his introduction of this bill is ultimately doomed to failure. I think it’s amazing to have such a high-profile politician come out so strongly for LGBT rights.
BillyBob Thornton
I agree with you jpinweho!!!! Plus with the recent vitories in Iowa and Vermont, maybe it’ll shame them into passing it!!!!!!!
The Gay Numbers
Your leaning toward the bill will fail (the totality of your posts on the subject lean that way) seems at odds with the signs that it will pass this year.
Also, let me remind you that everyone of these people are politicians. Stop worrying about their motives, and start worrying about how you can use whatever they do to your advantage.
InExile
What if this bill passes? ANY POLITICIANS that makes a stand for our rights need to be supported and thanked!!! Our politicians do what they think will get them re-elected and absolutely forget doing anything because it is the right thing to do. The ones that stand up are very rare, we are lucky we have a few.
rogue dandelion
someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning! a governor pushing for marriage equality is a good thing.
CitizenGeek
Queerty is so annoying now. Since when is a politician as high profile as the GOVERNOR OF THE THIRD BIGGEST STATE not just saying he supports equality, but actually working hard and speaking passionately on it, a bad thing? Get a grip on reality, please, Queerty. And bring back the last editor, he wasn’t trying to be Wonkette or Good As You (great and all as they are), nor did he pester the members with hideous re-designs!
Bruno
Paterson said the bill might fail. He just wants to force the issue while there’s still some momentum from IA and VT. I say more power to him, it’s not like the bill failing means it can never pass again in the future. And chances are there may not be a sympathetic governor in the future.
Paterson 4 Gays
People get real: Paterson has vocally supported marriage equality and gay rights for years. He is a major and powerful ally. So what if his numbers are down at the moement–no need for us to kick him too.
The entire press conference was amazing and inspiring. Very strong words for equality. Danie O’Donnell was particularly well-spoken. I loved how Paterson shot down the religious senators rallying against us. The guv said: “I didn’t know they were assembling Christ’s army. I’m part of that army and I’m for marriage equality.”
And you want to criticize him?!?
Alec
@Paterson 4 Gays: I’m very happy. I think the consensus is that this is a good thing.
The Gay Numbers
@Alec:What site are you reading? THe gay groups keep saying its a bad idea.
Alec
@The Gay Numbers: Well there’s Empire State Pride: http://www.prideagenda.org/tabid/304/default.aspx?c=376
HRC: http://www.hrc.org/12509.htm
But I wasn’t really talking about them. I was talking about this site; the responses have been mostly positive.
Qjersey
Yeah, some gay groups, who DO NOT represent our community in any way (like we had an election or something), keep telling us to wait, because they are afraid that failure on the first go round means permanent failure.
This has been going on for years, with DOMA, Don’t ask don’t tell, and ever other issue.
And now Mr. Corzine…it’s your turn…he told us in NJ…well wait til after the 2008 elections, cause we don’t want to bring out the wingnuts and possibly lose the election, now Corzine is saying, wait until after the 2009 election for the same reason.
We are tired of waiting Mr. Corzine.
Bawney Fwank
Marriage= One Man, One Woman.
JPinWeHo
@Bawney Fwank:
I know I should engage but…
other historically inaccurate equations:
“Blacks = Personal Property”
“Woman = Too weak to vote, work outside the home, have legal rights”
I don’t know where you learned your math, but when you start using your own personal religious agenda in mathematical equations it often causes your answers to be off-base.
Stick with simple math (1+1=2) and simple moral messages (love thy neighbor) and you’ll be less confused.
Plus, really, do you think mocking a US representative’s manner of speech does you much credit…
The Gay Numbers
@Alec: I think this site has mostly placed a question mark on it, and I think that the gay groups have poo-poo’ed it.
rogue dandelion
@Alec: alec was referring to us, the commentariat, on the sight being for it.
and HRC is for it- so what gay groups are you referring to that are against it?
rogue dandelion
@rogue dandelion: site*
getreal
This is an exciting time to live. I used to envy my parents for living though the civil rights movement now we are living through another one. Equality for LGBT people is an idea whose time has come in this country and the bigots can barely slow it down let alone stop it.
AlwaysGay
Please phone and/ or email New York Senators TODAY! Urge them to vote YES for marriage equality. Make it happen.
New York Senate
http://www.senate.state.ny.us/Senatorbio.nsf/Public_MemberEmail?openform
Bruno
@Bawney Fwank:
BAWNEY FWANK = one brain, one pea