NY Seeks to Back Same-Sex Unions, And Faces Opposition

Yesterday, New York Gov. David Paterson "directed all state agencies to begin to revise their policies and regulations to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions, like Massachusetts, California and Canada." Huzzah!

Yet, it naturally follows that in the wake of any good news for lesbians and gays, there is a negative reaction. So, today Republican State Senate majority leader Joseph L. Bruno is weighing the merit of mounting an opposition to the new directive. Bruno is being encouraged by groups like the Alliance Defense Fund, a organization opposed to same-sex marriage, to fight the measure under the guise of defending democracy. "It’s an issue of public policy that should be decided by the voters,” the A.D.F. argues, and Bruno has begun parroting their position, claiming "[t]here’s a constitutional question here."

Mr. Bruno, before you decide to make a stink about something that would make many people happy based on the objections of people wholly unaffected by the measure, please watch this clip from the Ellen DeGeneres Show. Really, trust me:

Does recognizing these women's love for each other really pose a threat to anyone? Should people really have to continuously vote on whether or not we're going to treat all members of our society fairly, on whether or not we're a society that stands for social justice and civil rights for everyone? Should certain members of our community be allowed to be regulated to a second-class status, just because those in the majority feel like that's okay? Really?

(Image via the BBC)

UPDATE: If you live in New York, you can call the governor's office today and let them know that you support this initiative. The number is: 1-518-474-8390. (via The Curvature)