Governor Paterson on Marriage Vote: 'I Understand the Anger'
New York Governor David Paterson released a statement in reaction to the marriage vote:
“It is always darkest before the dawn. The darkest day in the history of the American civil rights movement was in 1857 when the Supreme Court ruled against Dred Scott, making slavery legal north of the 36th parallel. That was the darkest day for the abolitionists. But when we look back in history, we forget that this was only five years before the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in September of 1862.
“I understand the anger; I understand the frustration; I understand the feeling of betrayal; and I understand the profound disappointment of those who came to Albany today thinking they could get married tomorrow. But I am also here to tell you that we are not back to square one.
“Governors don’t come to the Senate floor after losing a vote. This one does, because this is a fight that is bigger than one legislative vote. This is a civil rights issue. Marriage equality is as important as the emancipation of any group from oppression and the granting of equal rights to any community.
“I believe in my heart that if people had voted their consciences today, we would be celebrating marriage equality tonight. That did not happen. As disappointed as we are today, let’s get up tomorrow and redouble our efforts. We are going to lay the foundation to make people feel comfortable to vote their conscience and not fear political backlash.
“Now we know who we have to talk to. We are going to quash the intimidation; we are going to alleviate the pressure; we are going to move this issue back to the floor of the Senate and we are going to have marriage equality in New York State and equal rights for everybody.”
Really nice words, and I hope that the Democrats who voted no will see the repercussions of their actions.
Posted by: Tyler | Dec 2, 2009 6:35:51 PM
E-mail them all! It is so easy to do!
Posted by: Jeremy | Dec 2, 2009 6:47:14 PM
God bless David Paterson... His words are heart-felt and genuine -- he's not your average politician.
Posted by: Anonymous | Dec 2, 2009 7:30:47 PM
Governor Paterson is the fierce advocate Obama claimed to be.
Posted by: Bryan C. | Dec 2, 2009 8:00:09 PM
I hope the gay GLBT community fights back harder than ever with their time and especially their $$$$ to get rid of those Dems who failed us.
Yes, the GAYTM is closed.
Posted by: FunMe | Dec 2, 2009 8:05:34 PM
Excellent point, Bryan C. Paterson is what Obama said he would be, but hasn't been at all.
Posted by: Ron | Dec 2, 2009 8:22:10 PM
Heart felt indeed.
Posted by: Felix | Dec 2, 2009 10:06:39 PM
I put all this at the feet of Obama and his administration for making promises to the LGBT community they had no intention of keeping and the HRC for going along with it.
This Administration has sought "bi-partisan" support while ignoring the base and the result will be great losses in 2010. Prime example; Blue Dogs.
GayTM is closed for the foreseeable future, DNC. That is what stupidity gets you.
Posted by: The Realist | Dec 2, 2009 11:49:34 PM
I marvel at how you're blaming Obama and the DNC for the NYS Senate vote. Certainly, criticize Obama and the DNC, but let's keep it to stuff for which they're responsible, like DADT, ENDA and UAFA (don't forget that they did pass Hate Crimes).
Anyone who thought that the Senate vote was a slam dunk was drinking the same Kool-Aid that GLBT rallies drank for Obama last year; change *can* happen, *will* happen, but it will take time and perseverance on our part!
Posted by: Dave | Dec 3, 2009 1:29:14 AM
I blame Obama and the DNC because they have allowed this climate to exist. Obama and the DNC, through there lack of support for LGBT issues, nationally have fostered the fear legislators have in casting these votes. When two solidly liberal states can't get any closer than what California and New York did,you got to ask why and it all leads to Obama, and the DNC Blue Dogs.
Posted by: The Realist | Dec 3, 2009 5:01:14 AM
I don't care what anyone says I like this guy for several reasons of course civil rights being one of the biggest ones.
However after reading this part of his statement:
"We are going to lay the foundation to make people feel comfortable to vote their conscience and not fear political backlash".
I feel strongly that there should be POLITICAL BACKLASH. Polls show NYS favors civil rights for all which means we need to rally the base to oust any representative who took office with a margin under 60% who does not support equality and is on the wrong side of history period!
Posted by: Warren | Dec 3, 2009 10:29:21 AM
I blame Gov. Paterson, the NYS Senate and the Empire State Pride Agenda for the fact that they have all exclusively pursued marriage equality while ignoring the civil rights protections gender variant people in New York were promised in 2002.
I blame the GLB along with the (t) community for not rising up and loudly complaining about that.
This vote was iffy from the beginning. The "historic debate" and finding out who is for and against marriage equality is NOT worth the continued oppression that transgender gay, lesbian, bisexual and straight people still have to live under in New York. When the hell is the community going to stand up for civil rights protections that are vital, rather than important? The trans community would be much more active, much more able to help, in the fight for marriage equality if they didn't have to worry about losing their jobs (if they have one) or even paying for their next meal. Let's stop putting all our eggs into the marriage basket and start EQUALLY promoting it along with the Gender Expression Non Discrimination Act and the Dignity for All Students Act.
Posted by: Emelye Waldherr | Dec 3, 2009 11:27:49 AM
Emelye...PLEASE SHUT THE FUCK UP!
Posted by: NADA | Dec 3, 2009 4:45:08 PM
No way, NADA!
I may have little political power but as long as I have my voice I'll use it. The GLB community in New York has shit on trans people long enough. It has to stop.
Posted by: Emelye Waldherr | Dec 7, 2009 3:35:22 PM