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GMHC Statement on Governors Marriage Bill
Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) applauds Governor Eliot Spitzer
and Lieutenant Governor David Paterson for taking an historic step
and introducing legislation to create civil marriage equality in New York State.
This move by the State's chief executive marks the first time in
American history that a sitting Governor has spoken out and introduced
legislation into the state legislature to give full marriage rights under
state law to same-sex couples. This brings New York State one step closer
to providing full equal protections to same-sex couples and their families,
as do our neighbors in Massachusetts and Canada. By passing this bill, New
York would become only the second state in the union to afford full equality
to all couples under state law.
The legal ramifications of marriage reach far and wide and would
undoubtedly go a long way to protect same-sex couples and their families
in their daily lives. The physical, mental, and financial well-being of
same-sex couples would be greatly bolstered by receiving the privileges,
protections, and responsibilities afforded by marriage.
Marriage equality will afford same-sex couple families critical protections
in the health care system. These include the ability to make health care
decisions for one's partner and children in time of crisis. Marriage equality
will also improve economic security and provide legal protections to parents
and children.
The Governor's bill extends to same-sex couples the same basic
human rights available to their heterosexual peers. The bill acknowledges
the value of individuals in same-sex couples. We firmly believe that this
recognition is a direct challenge to the homophobia which continues to fuel
HIV and AIDS.
Marriage equality is one of the main goals of GMHC's state policy
agenda. Along with HIV prevention and access to affordable, quality
health care, civil rights is one of the three pillars of our legislative
priorities.
We thank Governor Spitzer for his courage and conviction to ensure equal treatment for all of New York's families.
* * *
Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported
and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the
fight against AIDS. Our mission is to reduce the spread of HIV disease,
help people with HIV maintain and improve their health and independence,
and keep the prevention, treatment and cure of HIV an urgent national and
local priority. In fulfilling this mission, we will remain true to our
heritage by fighting homophobia and affirming the individual dignity of
all gay men and lesbians. We provide services and programs to over
15,000 men, women and families that are living with or affected by
HIV/AIDS in New York City. For more information, please visit www.gmhc.org.
© 2007 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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