04/16/2009
NY Gov David Paterson Introduces Same-Sex Marriage Legislation
Today, New York Governor David Paterson re-introduced legislation that would legalize same-sex marriage in the state in front of a crowded room of reporters and marriage equality advocates. Paterson was flanked by dozens of New York politicians and LGBT rights leaders.
Highlights of Paterson's remarks, AFTER THE JUMP...
Paterson placed the marriage equality battle in the context of the civil rights movements of the 20th century and made note of the recent victories in Iowa and Vermont, shrugging off California and the passage of Proposition 8.
Said Paterson: "Anyone that has ever experienced degradation or intolerance would understand the solemn duty and how important it actually is. Anyone that’s ever experienced antisemitism or racism, any New Yorker who is an immigrant, who has experienced discrimination, any woman who has faced harassment at work or suffered violence at home, any disabled person who has been mocked or marginalized, understands what we’re talking about here. We have all known the wrath of discrimination. We have all felt the pain and the insult of hatred. This is why we are all standing here today. We stand to tell the world that we want equality for everyone. We stand to tell the world that we want marriage equality in New York State."
Following Paterson was New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, whose speech was notable in that he halted it for a minute and a half after an audio device belonging to the Examiner's Michael Harris, who is in a wheelchair, began going off. Bloomberg refused to continue until the device was found and silenced.
Joining Paterson to speak were Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell, state senator Thomas Duane, New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and Empire State Pride Agenda Executive Director Alan van Capelle.
Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith was not present. Paterson said Smith returned from out-of-town yesterday, and did not know about today's press conference but is a "strong supporter" of the legislation.
Paterson added: "Rights should not be stifled by fear...Silence should not be a response to injustice. If we take no action, we will surely lose. Maybe we've already lost."
I'll be adding more video as I get it processed. Unfortunately, I had some technical difficulties which made everything take just a little bit longer, so, sorry for not having this up sooner.
Highlights of Paterson's remarks, AFTER THE JUMP...
Posted 10:49 PM EST by Andy Towle in David Paterson, Gay Marriage, New York, News | Permalink
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I hear Paterson is unpopular in New York right now. It's nice to him taking a strong and courageous stand on this, even if the timing is partly about improving his standing in the polls, given that politicians usually try to improve their standing by retreating from us--or pandering to our enemies.
Posted by: Matt | Apr 16, 2009 11:06:58 PM
I agree with Paterson, it's ridiculous that this hasn't come up to a vote because of a few bigots in the senate. Make them continually vote it down, and maybe they'll be voted out of office. And I'm sorry, but saying that this is an issue that people can respectfully disagree with is a bunch of bullshit. This is a fundamental rights issue, we're talking interracial marriage, women's right to vote, freedom of religion... none of these would be subject to "respectful disagreement or "tolerance". This is bigotry pure and simple and thank goodness people are finally starting to get called on it!
Posted by: Mike | Apr 16, 2009 11:10:12 PM
BRAVO!
States like California, Arkansas, Florida and my home state of Arizona shall be shamed for their hypocrisy this past year.
No one is free, when others are oppressed.
Posted by: Marc | Apr 17, 2009 12:21:11 AM
Andy, I would appreciate it if you clarified your comment about Bloomberg stopping his speech. You seem to be making a statement about his actions, but it's a bit obtuse. Was he being disrespectful to a member of the media in a wheelchair?
Posted by: Dave | Apr 17, 2009 12:29:01 AM
Bloomberg was just being his usual high-handed, pissy, entitled, imperious self.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_fxVfwafSo
Posted by: 24play | Apr 17, 2009 12:34:04 AM
Ok, this will sound bad no matter WHAT, but that Governor Paterson makes me laugh every time I see him. Anyone else? No, lol? I mean, I know he's blind and all, but he just looks funny too. Hell, here I come!
Posted by: Drew | Apr 17, 2009 12:38:41 AM
Its nice to see that the current governor here is atleast taking consideration of the gays.Ill keep up with it for the time being.Bloomberg is a big fat sack of shit,the man is an egotistical pig and shouldnt even be considered for his "illegal third term".He is also a fucking hypocrite.Ever since the day he stepped into office,he has ignored and even attacked the gay community.He is just doing whatever the fuck crooked scheme he can to get his precious third term votes.Including deceitfully,acting like a friend to the gay community of New York City.He is probably THE BIGGEST enemy to us out here right with the NYPD.So I aint buying any of his crap.He is a rude,conceited,ignorant,greedy,selfish,
douchebag,who is forever on his ego trip.
He doesnt care about New York City,he just
cares about his precious money and whoever will waste their life kissing his big fat cellulite containing ASS.Its harsh but it is the truth.
Posted by: JohnTheThird | Apr 17, 2009 1:30:19 AM
Keep 'em coming, folks! One by one... we will get there.
Posted by: Harrison | Apr 17, 2009 1:39:52 AM
@johnthethird ---
Dude - you need to... 1) see a doctor about your conndition or 2) go back to your doctor to have your meds adjusted.
While you're at it, please check the facts on Bloomberg. The truth shall set you free.
Geesh.
Posted by: Mark (another one) | Apr 17, 2009 1:48:00 AM
Mark how about you go to hell,huh!
Id like to know do you live in New York?
Because if you dont SHUT THE FUCK UP!
If you do,you must have been living under a boulder for the past 7 and a half year.
Dont come here preachin ur holier than thou bullshit to me.Im finished with you.
Posted by: Johnthethird | Apr 17, 2009 2:37:49 AM
A hearty hurrah for Mr. Patterson.
A sterling speech.
Posted by: PM | Apr 17, 2009 4:49:38 AM
I had high hopes for Patterson, but he's proven himself a political idiot. I know his heart is in the right place for this legislation, but I can't help but feel he'll fuck this up too.
Posted by: sugarrhill | Apr 17, 2009 2:19:45 PM
So much for you gay rights activists. I have a relative in a group home in NYC called Finson. The manager Curtis Walker,is a homosexual who has been known to smoke crack in front of the consumers and has even been suspected of sexualy abusing male consumers when the rest of the party was on recreation. While the rest of you worry about an 18-year-old malcontent, we got real crimes gong on where the organizations involved refuse to acknowledge the short-comings of a predatory staff.
Posted by: Dan | Apr 22, 2009 7:28:30 AM