Gov Paterson Orders New York to Recognize Same Sex Marriages

This morning, a major step forward for marriage equality in New York state. Gov. David A. Paterson orders "all state agencies to revise their policies and regulations to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions", such as Massachusetts, California, Canada and South Africa.

In a directive issued on May 14, the governor’s legal counsel, David Nocenti, instructed the agencies that gay couples married elsewhere "should be afforded the same recognition as any other legally performed union."

The revisions are most likely to involve as many as 1,300 statutes and regulations in New York governing everything from joint filing of income tax returns to transferring fishing licenses between spouses.

The move is highly significant because "short of an act by the Legislature, the directive ordered by Mr. Paterson is the one of the strongest statements a state can make in favor of gay unions."

Gay couples in the Empire State could travel to Massachusetts and wed, or, California, whose state supreme court just paved the way for same sex marriage beginning in mid June 17.

This new directive is the strongest message yet that the new governor will aggressively push to legalize same-sex unions. Gov. Paterson developed strong ties to the gay and lesbian community as a state legislator representing Harlem. Last year, Paterson's predecessor, Eliot Spitzer, introduced a bill that would have legalized gay marriages.

At the Empire State Pride Agenda's Spring Dinner in Rochester on May 17, the governor announced his intention to issue the directive. Here is video of the announcement:

This is brilliant news. David Paterson is an incredible friend to the LGBT community and is a role model for other governors across the country. The governor has also managed to act as bridge between the black community, black churches and the LGBT community to get things done. Bravo.

New York to Back Same-Sex Unions From Elsewhere [NYT]
New York to recognize out-of-state gay marriage [AP]

Some Background ...
Paterson Promises Support for Same Sex Marriage [R20]
Paterson and Wife Admit Extramarital Affairs [R20]
Paterson Sworn In as NYs First Black Governor [R20]
Spitzer Implicated in Prostitution Ring [R20]
Spitzer Keeps Promise: Gay Marriage Bill Introduced [R20]
Spitzer Will Introduce Gay Marriage Bill [R20]
News: Same-Sex Marriage in New York [R20]
Court: No Gay Marriage in New York [R20]
News: Meet New York's Lt. Governor [R20]

Comments

[Mark Norris]

Man, oh man. What a man, what a man! This is the type of person we need on our side. Someone who is not afraid to speak out against the mainstream. Who puts into action exactly what he believes. This is a bold move on his part and he is going to get some flak I am sure for it. I am feeling quite good right now. This is a good way to start my day.

[DFS]

I guess we cant live in fear, but I cant help but worried that this increases the chances that gay marriage returns as a wedge issue in this election. At the same time, it is the right thing to do.

[Lady T]

DFS, it may become an issue...actually, it's bound to become an issue in the elections. And if so, let it. I'm a supporter of equal rights and lo siento, pero how can we all say equal rights when denying on group of ppl this basic one? The candidates will, and I feel should, speak on that. I just hope that this time around (unlike the previous terms) they keep their own personal beliefs out and take into consideration the PEOPLE.