The Governor is sending waves through Albany, not only for the mere introduction of same sex marriage legislation, but also for the fact he is pushing legislation that has not received a green light of guaranteed passage in the Senate and what some say the Senate is not ready for yet.
Imagine, he is actually encouraging the legislature, the Senate in particular, to stand up and debate a bill. Miracles are rare in Albany and any resemblance of democracy is one, this will make a few legislators very uneasy.
You cannot help but think the Governor is looking under every rock for a solution to his abysmal poll numbers and for any group to look at him with a smile.
But, nonetheless, it is game on for same sex marriage, let it be debated and let every legislator be heard and at the end of the process everyone should know what their legislators are thinking on the topic.
Read more on Paterson's press conference for the introduction of the legislation here.
"A government big enough to give you everything you want,
is big enough to take away everything you have"
Thomas Jefferson
14 comments:
Tough issues needs thorough debate and a clear cut vote on the single issue - this is one of those issues.
Let's do it right and if it fails, so be it; if it passes, so be it, too.
I think it SHOULD be a ballot issue ... let the people for their individual reasons by voting "Yea, or Nay."
It should not up to the elected Reps. who will vote otherwise along party lines in lockstep (most of them)...
Let the people vote on this one single issue...
You cannot help but think the Governor is looking under every rock for a solution to his abysmal poll numbers and for any group to look at him with a smile.i can help but think that! how do you know he isn't taking a stand on principle?
i disagree, dan. should the budget have been subjected to a public referendum? in many ways, that's an even tougher issue than gay marriage, and i'd think there's an excellent argument to be made that the budget impacts on more people's lives in more significant ways.
we elect people to the legislature to vote for us, and that's what they should do here.
hermit: this issue is one of civil rights anyway you measure it.
It the legislature votes "No" it will likely go to court; however, in my view, if the public votes "Yea, or Nay," I beleive not court would touch it.
Overturning the will of the people, after their direct vote, would seal the doom of any sitting judge also in my view.
This issue needs public approval or damnation... once and for all.
~ dmf
Gay marriage? Is the Governor trying to give the Social Conservatives in New York a cerebral hemorrhage. My church sister is almost certifiably insane now, what with Abortions, Secularism, Intelligent Design, The Rapture, Home Schooling, Christian Crusades in the Middle East, and getting a new Temple to rise on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, so Jesus has place to relax, kick off his sandals and make a little wine before the Second Coming. Oy vey!!!
RON - Since marriage has nothing to do with religion except the money, same sex marriage will bring money to municipalities and other economic advantages. If a captain on a boat can marry you what's the difference. The couple will be together any way, so let them enjoy and spend! Popes in the early days had kids. Some traditional marriages are a disaster. I rest my case.
This move is not surprising. With the general direction that our society is heading, these things no longer register with me. It is meaningless.
This move is not surprising. With the general direction that our society is heading, these things no longer register with me. It is meaningless.
What matters most right now is the ECONOMY!! People care about jobs. At this time thats where the focus needs to be. Gay marriage can wait, besides that it doesnt have the votes in the senate to pass
dan,
obviously, there's no question that this is a core civil rights issue. and i also agree that the courts are likely to give great deference to a public referendum. but, well, so what? what does that have to do with anything? why do either of those points mean this is an issue the legislature can't, or shouldn't, handle? you wrote,
It the legislature votes "No" it will likely go to court;but it's already gone to court -- in 2006, the court of appeals found that state law does not permit same sex marriage and the state constitution contains no right to same sex marriage. if, as currently seems most likely, paterson's bill fails to make it out of the senate, then i think it's very unlikely the issue will be dragged into court again.
finally,
This issue needs public approval or damnation...yes, and there's no reason that shouldn't come from our elected representatives in the legislature.
A lot of what you say, Ron 5:50, is so close to the truth it makes me uncoooomfortable. This state of no no-fault divorce so the lawyers can screw everybody. Too bad.
I am not supportive of same sex marriage. But part of me says the Gov is doing it right, this time. Put the damn issue out there, debate it, vote it, and be done with it. I only wish he had had the bal.. er nerve to do the same with budget concerns.
Sorry to mix balls with the issue of gay marriage.
probably lots of you have already seen this, but it's worth noting today's siena poll showing approval-disapproval for same-sex marriage in nys at 53%-39%. same-sex marriage may not get out of the senate this year or next year or the year after, but it's truly become a question of when, not if.
I don't believe we should make decisions based on polls, Kerm. I don't believe polls tell the truth, as they are skewed to what people want to believe.
You imply that same sex marriage is inevitable. You might be right, as screwed up as we are today. I have no doubt the day will come when polygamy will be back, and marriage to one's dog will be a thoughtful, loving option for future bliss. Who am I to judge someone else's reality?
The only issue to be decided is whether family planning will be regulated by the AMA, the ACLU, or the AKC.
I'm inclined to agree with you. It will be in the hands of the courts.
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