Paterson Meny Press Release

For Immediate Release: April 16, 2009

GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES LANDMARK CIVIL RIGHTS LEGISLATION Marriage Equality Legislation Will End Legal Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples Bill Recognizes Fundamental Civil Right of Marriage

Governor David A. Paterson today introduced landmark civil rights legislation that will end legal discrimination against same-sex couples in New York State. The Governor’s marriage equality Program Bill recognizes the fundamental civil right of marriage and would grant same-sex couples the same legal recognition afforded to partners of the opposite sex. The Governor was joined by New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, federal, state and local lawmakers, and prominent advocates to make the announcement.

“Marriage equality is about basic civil rights and personal freedom,” Governor Paterson said. “Too many individuals face legal discrimination every single day. Too many loving families do not receive the legal recognition they deserve. Anyone who has ever faced intolerance of any kind knows the solemn importance of protecting the rights of all people. That is why we stand together today to embrace civil rights for every New Yorker. We stand together today for marriage equality in the State of New York.” The bill would amend the Domestic Relations Law to give same-sex couples the opportunity to enter into civil marriages. It would mandate that all provisions of State law be construed to encompass same-sex marriages, consistent with the legislation’s intent, regardless of whether they use gender-specific or gender-neutral terms. As a result of this legislation, same-sex spouses would enjoy the same legal status and treatment under New York law as heterosexual couples, on issues such as property ownership, inheritance, health care, and insurance coverage. The Program Bill builds on the Governor’s previous actions, including a memorandum he issued last May, which directed State agencies to afford recognition to same-sex couples legally married outside of New York to the full extent permitted by law. “Our work to correct injustice cannot depend on factors like timing or guaranteed success,” Governor Paterson added. “For too long, LGBT New Yorkers have been told to wait for their civil rights and personal freedom. We will not wait any longer. Now is the time for action. Now is the time for leadership. Now is the time to march forward together.” Senator Thomas K. Duane, who will sponsor the bill in the New York State Senate, said: “Civil rights can never be held back. Eventually what is just and right always prevails. With Governor Paterson’s leadership, we will break down the marriage barrier once and for all. I am proud to introduce this legislation in the Senate and I look forward to standing here with the Governor when he signs it into law. I have seen what this Governor can do. I saw it when I first joined the Senate and we finally passed the Hate Crimes legislation he had worked on for so long. I saw it in 2002, one month after he became Minority Leader, when we passed the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act. He knows that passing this bill will take hard work and bipartisan support and I know he will roll up his sleeves to get it done – and get it done this year.” Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell, who will sponsor the bill in the New York State Assembly said: “I praise Governor Paterson for giving us this important civil rights bill so soon after the budget was finalized. Program Bills are a reflection of the Governor’s priorities and I know that equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community has been one of his long and deeply held beliefs. The legislative process requires diligence, and I am confident that the Assembly will pass the Governor’s program bill in

2009 just as we did in 2007.” In order to make clear the distinction between marriage as recognized by the state and marriage as recognized by religious institutions, this Program Bill specifically provides that it would not compel any member of the clergy to solemnize a same-sex marriage. ###