NY's Gov. Paterson vows to push for marriage equality, protection for trans people

[Maven]

Connects fight for GLBT rights to civil rights, women's rights movements in this video address to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGvVO6CI5H4

We will push on an bring full marriage equality in New York State. And when we have done that, we’re going to do more.

We’re going to protect young people from bullies. We’re going to protect against the discrimination of people in the transgender community, and we’re going to fight for decent and affordable healthcare for all citizens in this state.

If you will join with me, and if we work hard enough, we can change the face of New York, which will be the catalyst to changing national policy.

The video is EXCELLENT and makes me proud and optimistic about my new gov!

[MuseRider]

1. Can't get it to load

so I will try again later.

Without hearing it though I would like to say hurrah for Gov. Paterson. May the trend continue.

[TechBear_Seattle]

2. You will excuse me for saying...

"I will believe it when I see it."

Too many politicians spouting too many lies for far too long have left me just a wee bit pessimistic. Bill Clinton promised to support gay rights, and all we got for his efforts was DOMA and DADT.

[Maven]

4. I don't blame you in the slightest

but what I found most promising was the way he framed the issue, the strong and unequivocal terms he used, his willingness to put the struggle for our rights on a par with the other big historical movements for social justice in this country. Bill Clinton promised some support, but he never did any of those things.

Of course, you're right--we'll have to wait and see how all this translates into action. Spitzer promised to introduce a marriage equality bill, and did so, even though it had no chance of passing because of the (R)s in the Senate. But having executives pledge their support in these kinds of terms is always a good thing, no?

[kdpeters]

5. I don't blame you

Not for your cynicism, nor for your reasons. All I will do is point out that even voicing support for full marriage equality is a milestone representing a step forward from the current default "safe" lip service supporting separate-but-equal unions while opposing marriage equality. Bill Clinton, by contrast, was clear from the very beginning of his 1992 campaign about his non-negotiable opposition to marriage equality. That doesn't mean I forgive him for going out of his way to promote DOMA, sign it, and then brag about it on Christian radio during his 1996 campaign for re-election. It's a notable difference between Clinton and Paterson; Clinton never even pretended to support true equality, but instead expected us to be grateful for the crumbs. As Judge Judy would say, "Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's raining."

I take the perspective as to what would have happened in California if our governor there had voiced support for marriage equality. The legislature has passed the bill twice requiring no effort or work at all from the governor to actually push the issue. Paterson's lip service is all that would have been needed to make marriage a done deal in California. Instead, they have a governor whose work and effort is in fighting against the both the other branches of government, the legislature and the courts, who have already landed on the side in support of marriage equality. It's a fight on all fronts so at least New York has an executive that won't stand in the way if we achieve success in the other branches. Given that neither New York's courts nor legislature have yet decided in favor of equality, I'll believe it when I see it, but give credit for a step in the right direction.

[TechBear_Seattle]

6. "Even voicing support for full marriage equality is a milestone"

True, and all the sadder for that.

I will try to keep my spirits up. The problem is that my optimism sub-system hasn't been functional since about 2003. I want to get into the shop around mid autumn or early winter.

[xchrom]

3. ...

:woohoo: :applause: :applause:

[galledgoblin]

7. Tuesday, April 29th; Empire State Pride Agenda's Lobby Day in Albany!

http://www.prideagenda.org/OurPrograms/EqualityandJusticeDay/tabid/127/Default.aspx