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Introduction Of Same-Sex Marriage Legislation Spurs Immediate Opposition
By
Christopher Robbins
Published May 11, 2011
Modified May 11, 2011
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published May 11, 2011
Modified May 11, 2011
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As the clock winds down on 2010's legislative session, openly gay NY Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell introduced same-sex marriage legislation late last night. The bill defines marriage as a "fundamental human right," and goes on to state that "stable family relationships help build a stronger society." Though O'Donnell sponsored identical legislation that failed in 2009, the SEIU just announced their support, and there are indications that Governor Cuomo will throw his heft and political capital behind the measure, if the votes are there, to push it through the GOP-controlled Senate.
Not to be outdone by United States citizens who are asking for equal protection under the law, the National Organization for Marriage announced that they will spend "$500,000 for advertising and lobbying in Albany. It also plans to spend another $1 million to oppose candidates in the 2012 legislative elections."
In their latest ad, a narrator who sounds like a shitty Mark Twain impersonator speaks over ominous music to tell us that Massachusetts is teaching our innocent children of the joys of sodomy. He goes on to warn that "it's not just kids who face consequences, the rights of people who believe marriage means a man and a woman will no longer matter. We all have to accept gay marriage, whether we like it or not." Yes, that's right: just like we had interracial marriage rammed down our throats, so goes the great state of New York down into the depths of Hell.
We wonder whether or not the folks over at NOM (which one of these color-coded cock rings is the "groom" and which one is the "bride?" WE MUST KNOW) read City Room's piece on Richard Dorr and John Mace, the couple of voice instructors who have been together and living in New York City for 61 years. After raising two children and teaching the likes of Bette Midler, Vanessa Redgrave, and Kim Basinger how to sing, while basking in a "mutual love for singing and just a never-ending sense of togetherness from the start," they feel entitled to the same rights that their straight counterparts have. Mr. Mace said "we've always been New Yorkers, and after 61 years of togetherness we feel we have the right to be married in New York."
Tagged
equal rights
governor cuomo
Loving v. Virginia
marriage equality
national organization for marriage
same sex marriage
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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