Box Turtle Bulletin
News and commentary about the anti-gay lobby“Now you must raise your children up in a world where that union of man and box turtle is on the same legal footing as man and wife…”
News and commentary about the anti-gay lobbyJune 25th, 2011
New Yorkers celebrating marriage equality in front of the historic Stonewall Inn (Photo courtesy of Cathy Renna via Facebook)
Thousands have gathered in front of the historic Stonewall Inn, site of the historic 1969 rebellion that is seen as a watershed moment for the modern gay-rights movement, to celebrate the enactment of marriage equality in New York. The New York Senate late Friday evening passed the measure by a vote of 33-29 with four Republicans joining twenty-nine Democrats. The crowd, who had already gathered in front of the Stonewall, erupted into cheers and hugs when the vote tally was announced.
Governor Andrew Cuomo had ten days in which he could sign the bill into law, but he chose instead to fulfill his promise to sign the bill as soon as it reached his desk. He signed the bill shortly before midnight. “What we did here tonight really brings it all home” he said in a press conference soon after the vote. “This state, when it is at its finest, is a beacon of justice.”
The new law becomes effective in thirty days.
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TampaZeke
June 25th, 2011
Thank you Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg!
You have both just firmly established yourselves as gay rights heroes, CIVIL RIGHTS HEROES, forever. History will remember you well for what you accomplished here. There is NO way we could have done this without the two of you.
On the flip side, Senator Ball and others have just solidified their place in the history books as well. Right there on the pages with George Wallace and others who proudly and stubbornly stood in the doorway, blocking progress on minority civil rights.
I’m taking odds on how long it will take before Ball, and others, make a public statement apologizing for their votes and saying that it was the WORST vote, and worst moment, of their political careers, but by that time it will be too late to change their place in history.
Matt
June 25th, 2011
I already sent thank you notes to the four Republicans who voted yes and even to Senator Skelos for allowing a vote (I did chide him gently for his actual “no” vote).
Priya Lynn
June 25th, 2011
I know its a little strange, but what thrills me the most about this is how upset it must make Maggie Gallagher and her minions. Think I’ll send her an email and gloat a bit.
customartist
June 25th, 2011
Many news outlets today have reported ONLY that the Religious Exemptions in the law are about Churches not being forced to conduct Gay Marriages, but this is not the entire, nor the most important part of the exemptions, and I am concerned that many are being mislead.
Under these exemptions, Churches may still accept Governmentally Funded Contracts to operate services such as Adoptions, but they are allowed to then Refuse Adoption Services to Gays, and herein lies the Unconstitutional problem.
The US Constitution allows for “Equal Protection”, and it also states that there shall be no laws created “respecting Religion”. This is clear. The NY Legislature has a sworn duty to uphold the US Constitution, but they have created yet another Unconstitutional law just like DOMA.
While the law does give Gay couples the right to marry, it also reinforces the practice of inequality, favoring particular religious beliefs.
This is not being reported upon in an accurate manner among other News Outlets.
CB
June 27th, 2011
I have my own video on Gay Marriage/Marriage Equality. Feel free to post it elsewhere and pass it on. Time to celebrate…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4DyAqnJoPo
Background…
In 1965, a teenage singer, named Lesley Gore sang a song called “Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows” for the film “Ski Party”…a song about love.
Since then, the Rainbow flag has become a symbol of Gay Rights and Lesley Gore is an OUT Lesbian. I believe that this song would make THE ULTIMATE ANTHEM of marriage equality. It says all that needs to be said; very uplifting…join in!!
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