On June 24, 2011, New York officially enacted the Marriage Equality Act, becoming the sixth state in the United States to legalize same sex marriages. The legislation passed after weeks of intense negotiations and fund raising and lobbying efforts on both sides of the issue.
RECENT POLITICAL HISTORY
The controversy around gay marriage rights came to a head with the September 1996 Federal Act known as DOMA or the Defense of Marriage Act signed into law by then president Bill Clinton, which denied federal benefits to same sex married couples and also allowed states to ignore gay marriages sanctioned in other states.
New York voted down a proposition on 12/2009 to legalize same sex marriage after a year of intense lobbying and more than a $1 million in contributions to New York legislative races.
In 2010 Congress repealed the "don't ask, don't tell" military policy that banned gays from serving in the military. Also in 2010, Mr. Cuomo made a campaign promise to New Yorkers to help support gay marriage rights.
In February of 2011, President Obama directed the Justice Department to stop defending DOMA unconstitutionality law suits. Attorney General Eric H. Holder jr. stated on February 23rd that DOMA should be struck down since it violates gay couples' constitutional rights to equal protection of the laws.
In June of 2011, the four key Republican senators who had earlier voted against the proposition reversed their vote. The critical vote in the New York State Senate was 33 for and 29 against passage of the legislation. The four key senators stated that in the intervening years the thinking of their constituents had changed and evolved. Senator Stephen Solend, one of the four key senators, told reporters that it was also a "vote of conscience." The Quinnipiac Poll supported the idea that general sentiment about gay marriage in New York state has shifted since 2004. The poll showed 37% in favor of gay marriage in 2004 and 58% in favor of gay marriage in 2011. The New York State Senate did add certain religious exemptions to the 2011 proposed legislation, giving religious organizations the right to refuse to perform religious marriage ceremonies to gay couples.
Governor Andrew Cuomo's eloquent support of the Marriage Equality Act was also an important factor in the recent success of the legislation. His top aide helped coordinate efforts of various gay rights organizations. Gay rights organizations waged a more than $3 million campaign on TV and radio to support passage of the Marriage Equality Act.
NEW YORK'S MARRIAGE EQUALITY ACT
New York is considered a pivotal state in the efforts to create state legislation in favor of gay marriage. Not only is it the birthplace of the Gay Rights Movement in 1969 in Greenwich Village, but its large size and influence make this legislation an important standard for the rest of the nation. One significant feature of the legislation is that there is no residency requirement for couples for a marriage license. Gay couples can come from anywhere in the United States to be legally married in New York. Also, any change in the law in New York would require a state constitutional convention. The law further provides for all the protections given to any married couple under state and local laws. The New York Civil Liberties Union has posted online answers to frequently asked questions about New York's Marriage Equality Act.
So God created man in his own image, in the likeness of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.
I just wanted to put my opinion out there…I am a soon to be 22 year old bi-sexual (more towards lesbian really) female. I love everyone no matter the sex orientation or gender. I personally believe that the entire UNITED States should be united with the marriage equality. I want to one day be able to marry my lovely girlfriend and it be recognized in my home state. It is petty for people to judge the LGBT community when there are many of those same people needing to look at their own relationships. I know that relationships aren't perfect…but as the phrase goes "Sweep your own front step before you try sweeping mine" That's how i personally feel about how some
heterosexualpeople feel.null
I think we all have opinions, we all have thoughts about what "should" be done but a lot of why is because it is something new. Even though it has been a number of years that it has been talked about, thought about, lobbied for, planned and a host of other reasons. What we need to look at is this these United States was setup with a man and a woman being partners in life, to marry, grow old and live their lives to the end of their days together, even though heterosexual couples have issues with this it is how life started out and was recognized in the United States. States built their constitutions around it, children were taught about it; a child had a Mother and a Father, and even though this has always been how it is and was it is hard for those that have never been exposed to same sex marriage to understand it.
Please don’t get me wrong; I have friends that are gay and I have a lot of fun with them and go places with them and we joke about the gay/straight life all the time but as I say again it is hard for the old population as a whole to get their mind around the whole issue. I t is going to take a little more time, slowly move that direction, make slow changes in our states before the federal government accept and change laws to reflect it.
Forcing the issue will not work and being negative and saying negative comments will backfire and will never be viewed as positive; give it some time. All things work out in time.
The Old Testament’s prohibition on homosexual activity was not the cruel imposition of a dictator, but the wise provision of a loving God who desired to see His chosen people grow in love. Perhaps (though there is no explicit evidence for this in the text) at some point the intensity of David and Jonathan’s affection for each other might have spilled over into sexual temptations. If so, the “delight in the law of the Lord” which moved David to song protected them from sin and kept their souls knit together in a pure and spiritual love.
In the same way, by declaring the “truth of God” that homosexual acts are sinful, the New Testament helps those of us who struggle with same-sex attractions to discover what it means to “worship the Father in spirit and in truth.”
But because love is the heart of the Gospel, Satan always tries to fool us with counterfeits of true love. Against these counterfeits, the Apostles and Prophets warn us again and again. God is love, and so nothing that is against His will can be love. He only approves of certain kinds of love, but punishes His people for loving idols, foreign women in the case of Israel, foreign deities, multiple wives, money, sexual love between close relations (incest), etc.
We do not always understand these prohibitions; God’s reasons for forbidding gay relationships may seem like dim shadow in a mirror to us when we first confront them. But it is love, not understanding, which God most desires from us. To place our hopes in Him even when we do not understand His ways is a mark of great faith, and even greater love.
It is not an easy path, and just as the Apostle Paul expressed the struggle between flesh and spirit, all of us will face struggles. But when we struggle, or when we fail, we should not lose hope. Rather, we should remember that Jesus said even of the soldiers who killed Him, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). And even when we fall again and again to the same familiar sins, we should remember that Christ told Peter to forgive others not seven times, but seventy times seven times (cf. Matthew 18:22). If God commands such mercy from us, how much more will He, who is Mercy Himself, show mercy to us in our weakness?
It also brought alive an important theme from the Psalms, the great prayerbook of the People of God: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers” (Psalms 1:1-3). For those who follow the Law with all their heart, it becomes a source of life, strength, and peace of spirit.
If you dont like the gays, ok. But you cant say bad about the way they live its theree life let them live it the way they want to.
I do not think that it is ok that only 10 states are allowed gay marriage!! WE HAVE OUR RIGHTS!!! FREE US
LOVE THE GAYS, THEY ARE FREE TO LOVE WHO EVER THEY WANT.
Gays are just like us just because they live a different life doesnt mean they arent people two. Stop hating and start loving
How do I go about obtaining a marriage license and marrying my girlfriend/ soon to be fiancee'? We want to come to New York. Do we have to send in for our license and then come to have it legalized? Is the entire process done the same day? Help from anyone would be appreciated.
Being a gay male in Egypt is hard. I can definitely sympathize with those who are waiting for their respective state to allow gay marriage. Seeing as gay marriage is not only illegal in my country, but homosexuality is also a crime, I live in fear. Much the same as how Americans live in fear of persecution. I urge you to continue fighting there as when you fight, I benefit. Continuing to fight against those who are close-minded will lead the entire world into a new era where one is not persecuted based on harmless qualities. Stay strong!
I am a New Yorker i am happy about this. I grew up in one of those families that will either kill or kick you out for being bi or gay with how "Christian" they are. I grew up in complete fear of this I watched ever word i said watched ever action i did so i would not be kicked out. I am only 18 and i am scared for life because of this i do have a boyfriend who starting the same thing saying i am not Bi because i have not done more then peck a girl on the lips. I have only pecked a girl on the lips because if i tried more i be out on the streets or dead.. I am looking for a religion who more open and accepting of me . Hell i am looking in to being Pagan or Wiccan just so i can escape the Christian values that taught my parents to hate myself. People have no right to judge me for being me. It says god made us in his image and loves us then people go around saying being gay is wrong. I still afraid to be me because of my parents.
Hi everyone!
I was wondering if anyone knows if a US citizen can marry someone of the same sex who is on a student visa. I have been dating my gf for two years, she is in the US on an athletic scholarship for college, and so far I haven't been able to find any information about this.
Thanks
Seriously people? I'm a gay-male living in New York. Honestly, if you don't believe in it that's completely fine. We're tolerant of your ignorant-ass remarks that leave us hurt and scarred. I've been a homosexual for the entirety of my life, I have a husband, and he and I are happy as can be. Going back to my point, if you do not understand, ask. If you keep your mind closed, please, keep your mouth closed as well! To me, being married to a woman is an odd concept but do I go out and protest against your lives? No. For a brief time I studied the religions, and yes it does say it's unacceptable to "Lay down with a man." But you do not see in the bible, anywhere, it saying "Go out and make those who do feel worthless." Do you? Please, I'd love to see it. God is an understanding and accepting man who doesn't smite those for their choices. In turn, if you wish to completely go against YOUR OWN teachings, by all means continue on this path of hate and live your life miserable rather than carefree. I'm sorry if you don't see eye-to-eye with me, but this is how I view it.
Here's a small message to the people hurt by their words: I understand what you're going through. Going to a small-country school when I was younger I was going through the same hate and misery you may be going through. I promise you, it gets better! Please, take the time to look up "It gets better" Videos on Youtube.com They're really helpful and completely true! Once you get out into the real world, you don't have to deal with the closed minds, you have an option! You can walk away from it all and not give a second thought on what the ignorant rednecks have to say! Have fun, live your life, and don't think twice about ignorant people!
My job seems pretty seruce, at least for the moment. I work for a defense contractor and well, that isn’t a priority for the Democrats running the government right now.My wife’s company announced earlier this year that everyone should expect layoffs in April. Fortunately, the month has passed without any layoffs at her location so maybe we dodged that bullet. She was pretty stressed out about that, so we held on to our liquid assets just in case. So far, so good but if everyone cuts back deeply, we’re going to prolong and deepen the recession. They say that 2/3rds of the US ecomony is based on consumer spending. As an example, almost 250,000 people here in Colorado make their living working in restaurants. If everyone cuts back on dining out, well, a lot more people will lose their jobs. Magnify that across the economy and we could be in really deep trouble.
Do what you want but know that we all have to answer to God, including myself. It may not be today, it may not be tomorrow, but it will be very, very soon.
To be gay just aint American, it's French.
please stop making mean comments and if your not gay, stop commenting. we dont go around teasing you now do we?
That is really mean of you to say that. How would you feel if they were talking bad about your way of life. Open your eyes and dont be a Hater no one likes Haters.
Alright Michigan Wooo! lol I knew you were good for somethin!
If Minnesota does not legalize same-sex marriage this election, I swear, I'm going to loose hope for Americans all together. I better start looking up housing in WA or NY…maybe in CA.
It kills me how many CHRISTIANS go out of their way to find sites like these so they can post hateful things and do an injustice to Jesus Christ who lived among and befriended people that were not like him. You guys make me sick, seriously. Go find something positive to do with all that religion you have and leave people alone. You guys make a mockery of Christianity
I live in Illinois can I go to New York and marry my fiance mike and then come back to illinois after?
Justin Snyder I would just like for you to know that you are one of the biggest idiots on the face of this Earth… Question for you : WERE YOU THERE WHEN THEY WROTE THE BIBLE … Answer ; NO!!! so how can you even begin to speak upon what God wants in the Bible. God didn't write the Bible did he.. NO. The Bible is a book on other people's perspective. God didn't come down from the Earth and say "Hey you guys don't forget to write in the Bible that I don't like homosexuals" did he….. once again NO… you can't compromise anything that God says, likes, or dislikes because YOU WERE NOT THERE GOD DIDN'T COME TO YOU AND SAY ANY OF THIS DID HE….. again i say NOO…. I'm all for people having different opinions but don't try to justify anything you say by bringing God into this. Also there are HETEROSEXUALS WHO DON'T WANT TO REPRODUCE IN A MARRIAGE. SO WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE, AS MEANS OF REPRODUCTION, FOR HOMOSEXUALS. People of the same sex are way more committed in relationships than heterosexuals. Cheating, lying, divorce and unhappiness are more common in heterosexuals. But isn't adultery an abomination? I believe that this specific thing is in the 10 commandments, but I don't hear you speak upon that. Your supposed to marry who makes you happy, who accepts you for all the flaws you have, who is always there for you who is willing to do different things, who can love you unconditionally and who you love unconditionally. You're supposed to marry a person base on their personality and commitment to you and if that just so happens to be a person who is the same sex what's the problem. It's people like that will be the reason that chaos happens. And just because there are rights for not discriminating against homosexuals doesn't mean that heterosexuals will lose their rights. When black people were granted rights and there were non-discrimination laws passed for them, did that mean the white people lost their rights? NOOO so how about you think a little bit more logically before you begin to speak upon anything regarding marriage and rights of ANY KIND!!!
If only every state took to New York's example…
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Ive been gay for roughly say the whole life of 30 yrs. mom and dad did the arranged marriage at 15 yrs old. I divorced him 2yrs later knowing that I was in love wit a female. Im still with her to this day. We would like to know how much does it cost, do we need to live in the state, and will it be legal in our state once we return home. If any one knows please contact me at gambitdestiny@gmail.com.
kewlbreezer, thats so awesome!!!!!! congratulations:)
Thank you so much NY state!! I'm a 15 year old bisexual girl and now I feel happy that if and when I get older I can marry who I want. I'm so happy!
Some of these posts quote from the bible…why aren't you people hunting down the people that "really" offend God and sin? Like pedofiles? Adulters (which is common among straight marriages)? Murderers? Thiefs?
Gay people are seeking the right to marry and love a "person"…a person who happens to be the same sex.
I am a female who has had homosexual tendencies since I was 6 years old. Always wanted to play with my male cousins, GI Joe…cowboys and indians…and my mom tried to push Barbie dolls on me. In high schoold I had boy friends, but still walked the cheerleaders to their class (and they let me). I had my first experience when I was 14 years old. I didn't really come out until I was 23. At first my mom was upset…she cried and told me she wanted me to marry a man and have kids. Wow, this was how she identified with me? So I left and didn't return til the next day. She asked me where I had gone…I told her to find a husband. She was baffled, what she asked? How are you going to find a husband overnight? I told her that it didn't matter which man it was because I would never be able to truly love a man. She thought about it and said she wanted me to be happy…I thanked her. I know it was still difficulf for her to accept and probably took her years, but at least she was trying to let me be happy. I considered that unconditional love.
I have been with my partner for 30 years. I love her like the first day I met her if not more. We have been paying our taxes, own our own home, and care for my ailing mother. Is it so bad for us to want equal rights? I mean the country doesn't have a problem collecting our taxes…but when it comes to us wanting the same tax credits that married people receive…the country is up in arms. Why is it so hard to allow us to have the same rights?
justin synder i hav no idea what the fuck u just said, but i can tell ur homophobic. btw if god intended 4 all of us 2 b straight, thats rlly stupid and u dont even know he did' apparently hes up in the sky watching over us, so u cant necessarily talk to him. he doesnt come down evry night and tell u homosexuality is bad! the bible is a book some random guy wrote so all christians could follow his rules of god. being gay isnt a sin, im not gay, but i support gy rights 100%! my brother is gay and in love with his fiancee! so shut up! u cant ban love! just cuz they cant fucking reproduce doesnt make them a sin!!!!
i also have bill of rights that says i have the freedom of speech and religion.. i am gay and im proud to be gay.. i was born this way and i cant change that.. god loves me for me not for who everyone else thinks i should be.. you so called "christians" make me sick pushing your beliefs on other people.. let us live our lives and if this is a free country then let me marry who the hell i want to.. you have your rights and i have mine.. stay in your business and ill stay in mine.. the reason humans are at war is because people dont know when to stay in their own business and let other people live the way they want.. shut the fuck up and live how you want to and dont even think your gonna control me.. either way im marrying my husband no matter if its on a legal document or not him and i are married..
What could i do to get marry at NY
It looks like you can marry in new York and not be a resident
This very thing makes me sick, since the creation of mankind in scripture it states that a man will then leave his father and mother and be joined with his Wife, and they will become one flesh. Genesis 2:24. other scripture tells us that God finds homosexuality detestable. I could preach on, but I am just going to pray for all of them, that some day they will come to realize what they have done to offend God!!!!
OH, up yours, David. Stop forcing your religious beliefs on everybody else. And even worse, you would use religion to try to prevent other human beings from enjoying the same happiness that you now have a right to. Horrible, mean spirited, tiny little man.
Hm, didnt the bible also say "love thy neighbor like thy brother?" Oh wait unless he or she is gay? Yeah thats not hypocritical at all……. If you are going to preach about the bible how about you dont chose to leave certain parts out.
hi wanted to no how much it isto get married there an do u have to live there first to get married an what are the rules for it is it the same as a ragular marriage
i live in california and i am be with the same partner for the last 26 year. I want to get marry now, do i have to go to NY and get merry, where? how much? please let me know
If you read Leviticus in the Old Testament, Chapter 20 verse 13, you will see that homosexuality is an abomination. The Bible is the word of God. The founding fathers of the United States Constitution, believed in God. The pledge of allegiance states:
"…and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
It is clear this nation was formed under a belief in obedience to our creator, our God! God has told us that homosexuality is an abomination. It is unnatural and not a design of God. There is not one person on earth who was born from Homosexuality or Homosexual parents. Not one! If homosexuality flourished, children would no longer be born on earth and earth will stop being populated. Earth would fall. Homosexuality is wickedness and again, is stated in the Bible as an abomination. Enforcing non-discrimination of homosexuality in effect allows it to occur. Law enforcement then will begin to arrest individuals for violation of this "so-called discrimination of homosexuals" and good honest heterosexual people will begin to lose their freedom. Families will be broken up and children will not be born to homosexuals. Life on Earth would turn to chaos and confusion.
Please outlaw homosexuality and conform to the laws of God. It is God who created all of us and it is HIS will that will bring peace and prosperity. Wickedness never was happiness and never will be. We must learn to obey our creator as the founding fathers desired.
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I disagree
How do you know that it wasn’t just a bunch of people who got together and started a book? so that others may follow and believe. Im catholic and gay. God has not done me wrong has lead me to figure things out on my own and lay the answers right in front of me. I have not figured out why a Christian god hates catholic gays for the life of me. idiot
Well in this state, many people are confused about what sex they really are anyway. Want proof? Look at the leadership who's making all the decissions for those who can't decide what sex they are….even after reality constantly show them what sex they are everyday…in their lives. Fact: Another step backwards for mankind. Question: Does anyone care about what becomes of mankind?
can u go to NY and get married or do u half to b a resident… or what do you half to do if you do not live there and want to get married there???
How do you have to be to come there and get maryy?
yes, thank you !
Andrew Cuomo is currently the governor of New York State, and he supports gay marriage. http://news.pinkpaper.com/NewsStory/4998/14/03/2011/ny-governor-to-push-for-same-sex-marriage-this-year.aspx
Additionally, the state legislature and NYS representatives in the House have also changed.