Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Focus on Family to Sue Over Gay Family Recognition
By
Dave Hogarty
Published May 31, 2008
Modified May 31, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Dave Hogarty
Published May 31, 2008
Modified May 31, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A legal team with the backing of James Dobson is ready to file a legal suit against New York State, claiming that Gov. David Paterson illegally sidestepped the State Legislature when he declared a state of reciprocity in recognizing gay marriages ordained in other states.
Dobson is the head of a ministry called Focus on the Family, which is dedicated to protecting what it views as immutable Christian social values, including the long-held human value of the sanctity of marriage. He is a thorn in the side of even moderate Republicans, who would prefer that he not continue his persistent campaign of insisting that homosexuals are damaged individuals who should not be the recipients of the legal protection extended to "normal" Americans.
Paterson announced that NY State would recognize gay marriages ordained in other states based upon the ruling of a federal court. Dobson, whose organization is based in Arizona, is claiming this is an in-through-the-back door attempt at spreading the prevalence of gay marriage, by double-teaming the country with California.
The NY State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno is also unhappy with Paterson's decision and may end up taking the Governor to court to fight it.
Tagged
arizona
dobson
focus on the family
gay marriage
lawsuit
paterson
reciprocity
recognition
Dave Hogarty
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Early Addition: Some NYC workers got up extremely early to commute from the Poconos
Because more city workers are living out there because it's affordable, here are your early links: Santacon returning under new management, New Jersey kids are learning cursive and loving it, Forest Hills Stadium cutting back and more.
By
James Ramsay
Published Oct 22, 2026 at 8:54 a.m. ET
Mamdani-backed housing bill will give nonprofits head start on buying NYC apartments
The Community Opportunity to Purchase Act has long been a goal of tenant advocates, but has faced fierce opposition from the real estate industry.
By
David Brand
News
Mamdani-backed housing bill will give nonprofits head start on buying NYC apartments
The Community Opportunity to Purchase Act has long been a goal of tenant advocates, but has faced fierce opposition from the real estate industry.
By
David Brand
Fatal motorcycle crash closes upper lanes to NY on George Washington Bridge
By
Michael Sol Warren
Ballot questions ask NYC voters whether to cut red tape on outdoor dining, bike lanes
By
Walter Wuthmann
The NYPD arrested a mom and took her kids' Christmas gifts. She never got them back.
By
Samantha Max
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .