New York Governor to propose legalizing same-sex marriage

This headline from the CNN online ticker surprised me today. David Paterson has stepped into the fray of gay rights marriage and sees, as do I and countless others, that this is akin to passing hate crimes legislation - it is a civil rights issue.

I had thought that the Governor would wait until he had been elected and was safely esconced in Albany for 4 years prior to taking on this hot potato - at least, I read as much last year. Clearly he has taken a calculated risk in coming "out" like this relative to such a highly political issue.

Here is an excerpt from the story: "There is clearly a problem in that those individuals who are gay or lesbian who would live in a civil union are still not entitled to somewhere between 1,250 and 1,300 civil protections" available to married couples, Paterson said. "We would like to try to address that at some point in the near future."

And: "Former Gov. Eliot Spitzer introduced the same bill in 2007. It passed in the Assembly 85-61 but died in the state Senate.

The bill's chief supporter in the Senate, Democratic state Sen. Thomas Duane, said Paterson "knows how hard it is to pass this kind of legislation."

"He worked to try to pass hate crime legislation for many years," Duane said. "I know how strongly the governor feels about this kind of civil rights legislation."
Paterson has previously said he is committed to bringing "full marriage equality in New York State."

"No governor in the history of New York has been at the forefront," said Kellner. "He realizes it is the civil rights movement of the 21st century."
Duane agreed. "I also know that he [Paterson] knows that this will be a defining moment."

I am hopeful that the GLBT community will be able to organize and lobby senators and legislators on this issue so that we can get the bill passed in Albany - Equality is right. I will be in Albany on April 28th for Equality and Justice Day - I encourage my GLBT friends and allies to do the same.

Here is the link to the story: http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/14/ny.same.sex.marriage/index.html?eref=rss_politics&iref=polticker

Vermont has spoken

Wow and wow again!

The Governor thought that he could overturn the decision to allow gay marriage in Vermont - did he ever underestimate the lobbying and grassroots activism and power in the GLBT and allies community.

A poll today conducted by AOL asked whether people support gay marriage - 54% said no and 46% said yes. The gap is certainly closing between the supporters and the naysayers.

I was at a wonderful church service this past Sunday. The congregation was incredibly diverse - children, young and old, couples, singles and my favorite - gay couples - openly gay couples who are loved, appreciated and accepted in the Episcopal church. They have an outreach program for GLBT churchgoers and truly go out of their way to be their "brother's keeper".

This victory in Vermont speaks volumes - I predict that California's Proposition 8 will be overturned by the California Supreme Court.

It is coming whether people want it or not - EQUALITY FOR EVERYONE!

President Obama pledges a remade America

"We cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lives of tribe shall soon dissolve."

There are many quotes that stick out in my mind from today's inaugural speech.

This one speaks to me as the mother of 4 bi-racial sons - the youngest is 11 years old and is being raised by his Caucasian father - the others are 19, 21 and 23 respectively and were raised by their black single mother for 10 years after the divorce. It is my hope, dream and prayer that they will not know the hatred of racism and bitterness that accompanies it in years to come. It is my hope that they will live the dream of the beloved and departed Dr. King.

Those hatreds must truly and surely pass away if our nation is to thrive. We need each other in this country - black, white, male, female, Jew, Muslim, Christian and everything inbetween.

God is not a respector of persons and we are all created equal in His sight.

President Obama is a man of many facets, spiritually, intellectually and racially speaking to name a few. He is the one who can unite our divided world - he can bring hope to the downtrodden and will lead us into peace and prosperity.

Proposition 8 and Loving vs. Virginia - Equality means everyone

My heart is heavy lately. Part of it sings at the election of our remarkable 44th president - Barack Obama. The other part mourns for my gay brothers and sisters who continue to be treated like second class citizens.

The California supreme court is going to hear proposition 8 challenges and the United Church of Christ has joined others in a lawsuit to receive redress for what they believe to be an unconstitutional action. Here is a link to the story: http://www.ucc.org/news/calif-supreme-court-to-hear.html - you can also link to the UCC website at http://www.ucc.org/

Many of you know that my children are bi-racial - for 15 years I was married to their father, a man whom I loved deeply who is also gay. We divorced when his sexual orientation became known to me. Note that I use the words sexual orientation, not preference. Straight people take for granted that we are opposite sex attracted, and not same sex attracted - we must choose our words carefully when speaking of this important issue.

Ironically, our marriage would not have been permitted in many states in the nation some 41 years ago, prior to the supreme court decision in Loving vs. Virginia.

We have come so very far with civil rights and yet our gay brothers and sisters are required to take a seat at the back of the bus. No marriage, no domestic partner benefits, no tax breaks, etc, etc, etc.

Let us continue to pray for a resolution to this situation - a fair and equitable one, where none feel threatened (except those bigots who would be threatened over something else, were it not for this). Let us continue to implore our elected officials to be mindful of gay rights and remember that equality is for everyone - it is not a choice, but a right. Equality means everyone - when one person is marginalized, we all are.