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For Immediate Release: Monday, February 7th, 2005 Contact: Contact: Jordan Isenstadt (c) 516.991.3842 (w) 212.490.9535 (f) 212.490.2151 ***STATEMENT*** State Senator Liz Krueger
Praises Historic Decision to Allow Same-Sex Couples to Marry in New York State Albany, NY – Last week, the New York State Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples must be allowed the right to marry, in a decision that State Senator Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan) called “a victory for all New Yorkers who believe in equality.” The lawsuit was filed by Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund representing five same-sex couples seeking marriage licenses in New York City. “It is simply un-American to argue that different citizens have differing sets of rights based on their sexual identities,” stated Senator Krueger. “Same-sex couples must have the same rights and protections as heterosexual couples, rights that will guarantee the legal and social protections of matrimony, as well as the benefits of marriage.” In a 62-page decision issued on February 4th in New York City, State Supreme Court Justice Doris Ling-Cohan said that the New York State Constitution guarantees basic freedoms to lesbian and gay people – and thus, that those rights are violated when same-sex couples are not allowed to marry. The ruling said the state Constitution requires same-sex couples to have equal access to marriage, and that the couples represented by Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund must be given marriage licenses. “This is a historic ruling that will have a major impact upon the moral values debate that has consumed the nation during the last year,” said Senator Krueger. “As a proud co-sponsor of legislation to legally recognize same-sex marriages in New York, I am thrilled with Justice Ling-Cohan’s decision. While I understand that Mayor Bloomberg is appealing this decision, I strongly contend that this decision was soundly based on our state Constitution, which does guarantee equal rights for all New Yorkers.” -30- |
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