10/09/2006
Eliot Spitzer: "We Will Make [Gay Marriage] Law in New York"
Gubernatorial Candidate Eliot Spitzer "made his strongest declaration yet" regarding same-sex marriage at last week's Empire State Pride Agenda dinner, reports the NYT:
"Mr. Spitzer’s position could be a perilous one for a politician considered presidential material, and he has acknowledged that if elected governor, he would first push other legislative priorities including cutting property taxes and overhauling Medicaid . But last night he said he would not let outside pressures influence his stance. 'We will not ask whether this proposition of legalizing same-sex marriage is popular or unpopular; we will not ask if it’s hard or easy; we will simply ask if it’s right or wrong,' he told a crowd of nearly 1,200 gathered at a Midtown hotel ballroom. 'I think we know in this room what the answer to that question is.'"
Spitzer has made his position known in the past, although he has made it clear that in his position as Attorney General he must abide by state law on same-sex marriage. If elected Governor, he would be in a better position to facilitate legislation in support of the cause.
The New York gay rights group has been critical of New York politicians, particularly Senator Hillary Clinton, for failing to take a strong position on gay marriage. Executive Director Alan van Capelle earlier this year wrote a memo to Pride Agenda members which was leaked to the press. It called Clinton a "complete disappointment" and urged members not to support an LGBT fundraiser for the former First Lady.
Meanwhile, others at the dinner expressed their disappointment at the absence of certain guests. Jimmy Fallon took the stage and had the dinner "howling", according to Page Six, after taking a potshot at a certain CNN anchor. Said Fallon: "I'm kinda shocked that Anderson Cooper is never here. Isn't that weird?"
Posted 11:15 AM EST by Andy Towle in Anderson Cooper, Eliot Spitzer, Gay Marriage, Hillary Clinton, New York, News | Permalink
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Easy for him to say.
Posted by: Anon | Oct 9, 2006 12:14:37 PM
I think gay marriage is annoying... civil rights and civil unions are important and the further the seperation of church and state the better
Posted by: patrick | Oct 9, 2006 1:10:55 PM
I was at the dinner last week, first time in about 10 yrs, and it was actually pretty good. Russ Feingold and Spitzer gave great speeches.
I was surprised about the full on focus on marriage, but quite frankly it's where we are so why not. For right or wrong, many of our civil rights flow out of or are directly connected to marriage and I guess it just makes sense to fight the battle we have in front of us instead of wishing for another one.
In terms of Spitzer, I was impressed by how clearly he stated his support, however, it's tough for me to know what risk he takes in taking that position. Is this something he knows will never happen w/a republican controlled senate so no harm or foul in fooling the gays or as gov can he really influence and push for change? we'll see.
While Jimmy Fallon was funny, especially about AC, the best line of the night went to Kyan Douglas as he was announcing the winner of some raffle - the winner was approaching the stage and he was totally waving the guy off. you had to be there.
BTW - Patrick, i don't think the issue of same-sex marriage is "annoying" to the children of same sex couples who don't have the same protections, rights and benefits as their school mates who have a mommy and a daddy.
Posted by: hoya86 | Oct 10, 2006 11:30:06 AM