Gay Marriage Is Now Legal In New York!
June 27, 2011 No Comments
This weekend, we witnessed the widespread support of same-sex marriage all around the world as parades took over the streets of Toronto, Sao Paulo and Mexico City. And let’s not forget New York.
On Friday, June 24th, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the bill that will (in 30 days) give same-sex couples the right to wed. Cuomo’s campaign to make New York the sixth (and biggest) state to legalize gay marriage was met with intense opposition, but he can now proudly wave the rainbow flag in celebration of this historic moment.
This weekend’s festivities came to a climax with New York’s Pride parade. An estimated 300,000 residents and visitors came to take part in the celebrations. Several signs acknowledged Cuomo’s leadership in the fight for the “Marriage Equality Act” and he even joined the crowd by marching at the head of the parade.
It’s an event that calls for partying, especially since the passing of the bill has (if only temporarily) silenced the opposition. Anthony Dolan, New York’s Archbishop, has strongly voiced his opinions against same-sex marriage, but at mass this Sunday he was unusually mum on the new development. Before the bill was passed, he said it was an “ominous threat,” “perilous” to the collective good of culture and society. There’s no doubt he still holds the same beliefs, but his silence reflects his defeat.
What’s surprising is Obama’s opinion (or lack thereof) on the matter. Despite the fact that his thoughts on gay marriage are “evolving,” he’s still on the fence. He may be nervous to tip the delicate scale either way, as only 53 percent of Americans are in favour of gay marriage, but he can’t continue to play both sides. Cuomo has given the movement much needed momentum, but Obama’s influence could send it over the edge.
However we might feel about religious roadblocks and Obama’s “Bi” stance on the issue, the signing of this bill remains a giant step in the right direction. We can only hope that other states follow suit.
Contact the author here: tinybart@morningquickie.com
