Michael Benjamin is a former New York State Assemblyman turned political commentator, analyst and blogger. He writes about this most recent effort to redefine marriage:

I am a supporter of traditional marriage between a man and a woman.  In recent years, with the advent of the “Me Generation” and judicial activism, the cultural élite have relentlessly pursued unfettered individual choice without regard for tradition, the needs of children or nature itself.  In 2009, we saw same-sex marriage bills defeated in both the New York and New Jersey State Senates. And in 2010, we saw the successful repeal and referenda efforts across the nation.

While in the Assembly, I fought for tradition when I opposed the marriage equality act.  I voted against this bill not only to preserve the rich tradition of marriage but because codifying same-sex marriage would set up a vast and unnecessary legal conflict between sexual and religious liberty.

The Governor’s program bill does not preserve religious freedom...