It seems marriage equality is safe in the state of New York. It looked as if the legislation might be threatened when New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, an evangelical group, claimed the state Senate failed to follow proper procedure when the bill to allow same-sex couples the right to marry passed last year.
The lawsuit was specifically targeting the two closed-door meetings that were held leading up to the state Senate’s vote. The legal challenge was that the meetings should have been held in public, and requested that the equality law be overturned as a result.
Thankfully, the passed legislation didn’t even have a chance to be revoked (à la Washington and Maryland) as, without explanation on Tuesday, the Court of Appeals refused to hear it.
“With the court’s decision, same-sex couples no longer have to worry that their right to marry could be legally challenged in this state,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo, who signed the legislation into law on June 24, 2011. “The freedom to marry in this state is secure for generations to come.”
“Obviously we’re disappointed in the Court of Appeals decision, but I wouldn’t’ say surprised,” said the Rev. Jason McGuire, executive director of New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms.
“It’s a pretty liberal-leaning court,” McGuire said. “Every time the people had the chance to vote on the issue of marriage, they view it one way [against gay marriage]. But when it comes before rogue legislatures or the courts, they view it differently.”
Erica Pelletreau, spokeswoman for the Empire State Pride Agenda, explains that the opposition will “throw anything at this law just to see if something sticks.”
“Nothing will,” Pelletreau continues. “Nothing can stop the momentum for full equality that started right here in New York State. While extremists dabble around in the arcana of parliamentary procedure, they forget one thing: They are targeting real people and real families. But love has already won the day. Victory is ours.”
Photo: prunejuicemedia.com
