Governor Paterson Backs Recognition of Same-Sex Unions Performed in Other Jurisdictions

NEW YORK, NY --  The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center issued the following statement concerning New York State Governor David Paterson's action to order all State agencies to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions.

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The Center's Executive Director, Richard Burns, explained, "Governor Paterson has proven himself once again to be a true ally to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender  (LGBT) community and to our families. As we await New York State's pending legislation legalizing same sex marriages, I want to thank Governor Paterson on this bold move. Changing policies among state agencies is a giant step forward in recognizing that LGBT people are raising children and forming families that need the support and protection of the state."

"Governor Paterson's announcement… directs all state agencies to begin to revise their policies and regulations to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions, " continued Burns. "This directive will make a significant difference in our community's ability to access legal protections in recognition of our families. As same-sex couples struggle to access the same rights and responsibilities as straight married couples in New York State, this acknowledgement by our governor is a tremendous show of support for our civil right. These revisions will likely involve as many as 1,300 statutes and regulations in New York governing everything from joint filing of income tax returns to transferring fishing licenses between spouses," concluded Burns.

The Center is the heart and the hub of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) society in New York City, and this change in policy among the state's agencies will have a dramatic effect on the wellbeing of thousands of couples who are waiting to legalize their unions.

Comments

The NYC dominated Democratic Party gave us Spitzer and Paterson,what an abomination for New York State.No vote in the state legislature just dictatorship.When you have a governor without morals, you get these kind of decrees from on up high.Former New Jersey governor McGreevy a democrat has some sleazy competition in New York.

Damm queers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To 1:59

everyone is entitled to their opinion, but vulgarity, slurs, epithets are NOT acceptable here.

Act like an adult.

All gay people should come out of the closet so dispicable ignorart assholes like 1:59 are forced to deal with gay people, who are undoubtedly among the ranks of our friends and relatives. Shame on you, 1:59.

The law is the law and everyone should have the same rights regardless of what they do in their bedroom and with whom.

Not when it comes to marriage.

Civil unions are fine. But marriage, for thousands of years, has been correctly defined as between a man and a woman. It's natural. It's how humans procreate. And that's the way it has to stay. Paterson wasn't even elected governor. Law suits are being filed. Paterson will lose.

Thank you 5:41 for your opinion that was formed in the middle ages.

Unfortunately for you this is the 21st century, and we live in a democracy. Everyone is entitled to be treated equally, and enjoys the same rights as anyone else.

If a particular religion disapproves, that is fine. Dont marry gay people. But the state has no religion (ever heard of the seperation of church and state?). It does not have the right to opine on morality. That is a personal choice, not a state interest. A true conservative, who believes in small government and less intrusion in people's lives gets this.

The people who fly the conservative banner and scream "no gay marriage" "its immoral" etc are NOT Republican conservatives, they are religious conservatives. That is just fine, but there is a difference.

Since Church and State are seperate, and true conservatives believe in small, non-intrusive government, there is no place for a religious aspect in republican conservatism. Keep it in Church where it belongs.

This is not about religious conservatism. The great majority of citizens opppose gay marriage, and they aren't all religious conservatives.

This is about natural law, about moral law, and about the way almost all cultures have existed for many thousands of years. Marriage is between a man and woman. And no amount of spinning by the gay advocates will change that fact. Paterson's attempt to undermine and denigrate the natural intent and purpose of marriage will fail.

congrats to Pete the Fag!

[Yeah You?]

You're right 10:58 this is a democracy, so why don't you push for a direct vote or constitutional amendment on this issue? Because the majority (democracy remember?) is not in favor of it.

PS. congrats PTF.

ADAM AND EVE NOT ADAM AND STEVE.

ENUFF SAID.

CONRATS PETE THE FAG

None of my friends are queer.