Thank you Governor Paterson!
Governor Paterson made an historic decision yesterday and declared that all government agencies recognize and support same-sex marriages as they would any heterosexual marriages. Lgbtfogg has the story too (h/t Jiminybizbo). Watch the video here.
At about the 2:20 mark, Paterson says, “I am directing agency heads that we will recognize marriages conducted outside our state right here in New York State.”
Our very own Pat Martinez is part of the Governor’s memo to NY agency heads. First California, now this. We are making history here, folks!
In Martinez, the Fourth Department held that legal same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions are “entitled to recognition in New York in the absence of express legislation to the contrary.” This decision is consistent with the holdings of several lower courts. See, e.g., Godfrey v. Spano, 15 Misc.3d 809 (Sup. Ct. Westchester Cty. 2007), appeal pending (2d Dep’t); Godfrey v. Hevesi, 2007 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 6589 (Sup. Ct. Albany Cty. Sept. 5, 2007). The Martinez court also found that the failure to recognize such marriages may violate the New York Human Rights Law.
Now it’s time to call the Governor’s office and offer our appreciation for this momentous decision. Call the Governor’s executive chambers at 518-474-8390. He is getting closer all the time to legalizing Same-sex marriage in New York State. Then go on over to Million for Marriage and sign the petition for the Human Rights Campaign. Let’s do what we can to make this a reality.
Remember this?
It’s working!
Well, it’s about time. Thanks Gov!
HOOO RAH! Thank You Governor Paterson!
Great picture!
Yes, isn’t it?
[...] reacts to the governor’s decision to recognize same-sex marriages: “Who sets the policy, who establishes the laws, and until I have [...]