Start Spreading the News - Marriage Equality in NY

damien

The Big Apple could allow same-sex marriage within 30 days after the New York Supreme Court ruled that a ban on same-sex marriage is not legal and violates the state constitution.

In an historic ruling today NY State Supreme Judge Doris Ling-Cohan allowed same-sex marriage. Her decision which opened by referencing Shakespeare went on to discuss the history of other forms of marriage inequality in America. Ling-Cohan stated "From the literary references of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, to the anti-miscegenation laws of this country’s recent past barring interracial marriage, the freedom to choose whom to marry has consistently been the subject of public outcry and controversy."

The Supreme Court Judge echoed the long time rational arguments of Gay Marriage campaigners by stating "Permitting plaintiffs to marry would confer innumerable tangible and intangible benefits for them and their children while causing harm to no one" Ling-Cohan decided that the words "husband," "wife," "groom" and "bride," which appear in sections of the Domestic Relations Law, should from now on be taken to mean "spouse" and will also be understood to reference both men and women.

The state has 30 days to appeal the case. If they don't, expect lots of media outlets to play Frank Sinatra's famous song.

damien

Extract from the Judge's ruling:

There has been a steady evolution of the institution of marriage throughout history which belies the concept of a static traditional definition. Marriage, as it is understood today, is both a partnership of two loving equals who choose to commit themselves to each other and a State institution designed to promote stability for the couple and their children. The relationships of plaintiffs fit within this definition of marriage.

Similar to opposite-sex couples, same-sex couples are entitled to the same fundamental right to follow their hearts and publicly commit to a lifetime partnership with the person of their choosing. The recognition that this fundamental right applies equally to same-sex couples cannot legitimately be said to harm anyone

Full text of ruling.

Yoda

Excellent. Now... what's going on in Ireland? Is all this just being ignored?