Liberal Party Speaks Out On Same Sex Marriages
The Liberal Party supports the grass-roots
efforts to legalize same sex unions in New York State begun by such
organizations and individuals such as the Episcopal Church in
America and Mrs. Corretta Scott King and calls upon the New York
State Legislature to "either lead, follow, or get out of the way" on
this issue.
Executive Director Martin Oesterreich stated that "The
Legislature, and particularly Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, should find it
in their hearts to reject the easy answers promulgated by people who are still comfortable
with 12th Century answers in this, the twenty-first century. Rational
analysis of this issue, cast as same sex marriage, shows it is really a matter
for civil legislation.
This is not about forcing churches to solemnize unions they
are by tradition and doctrine not comfortable with. That type of blessing will
ultimately be decided by the leaders and members of individual congregations
and faiths, as is being done presently by the Unitarian Universalist Church in New
York. What we need to address is the lack of an
effective civil mechanism that would grant same sex partners the same rights,
and, correspondingly, responsibilities, given by the State to heterosexual
couples. This is particularly necessary when children, health-care
responsibilities and rights of survivorship are increasingly part of the normal
living situation for same sex couples. The Liberal Party
views this issue as one of simple equity under law, which will not impact in
any way on the full and free exercise of religion."
The Liberal Party therefore calls upon the Legislature to draft and pass appropriate legislation that
defines marriage civilly in such a fashion as to allow for both gay and
straight couples to enter into a legally recognized union, with all presently
afforded rights granted through state recognized "marriages" maintained, with all deliberate speed. Mr. Oesterreich
stated that "This is an issue whose time has come-quite frankly, this legislation is one that is long overdue. The legislature ought to recognize
this and, as we say, lead, follow, or just get out of the way".
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