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Home » July, 2011

Monthly Archives: July 2011

Cuomo Says Vote Will Be Political Asset; Sen. Alesi Worries About Primary Challenge

July 25, 2011 – 5:54 pm

In PolitickerNY:

...Asked whether he will support the Republican senators who voted for marriage equality, at the possible expense of a Democratic State Senate, Cuomo said he thought the vote itself would help them.

“What I’ve said is I believe the legislators who voted for marriage equality, this is actually going to be an asset to them in their campaign; I believe that,” he said.

“Yes, there’s opposition, but by the way, there’s opposition to everything.

...”Alesi has had a strained relationship with both the Republican and Conservative parties in his home district, for a variety of reasons predating his marriage vote, but cautioned Republicans against trying to oust him in a primary.“I don’t think this is the make or break issue here,” said Alesi. “I think it’s important to understand for someone like me, if I were the loser in a primary, I don’t know of anybody else in my district that is going to hold this seat.

I hold this seat because I represent the district well…So a loss in a primary for me, I think, would be disastrous for the Republican majority.”

By NOM Staff | Posted in New York, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (5)

New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms Files Lawsuit to Overturn NY SSM

July 25, 2011 – 5:46 pm

The Associated Press:

Opponents to New York's gay marriage law filed the first lawsuit challenging the measure, an anticipated salvo that came one day after weddings were celebrated around the state.

... The lawsuit claims that the Senate prevented lawmakers who opposed the bill from speaking and that the Senate didn't follow procedures that require a bill to go through appropriate committees before a full Senate vote.

... "We should have an open and deliberative process," the Rev. Jason McGuire, executive director of New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, told The Associated Press. "If truly the legislation can stand on its own merits then it should be able to withstand being deliberated publicly."

... The debate on the night of the vote on June 24 was severely restricted in a manner unprecedented in recent years.

The Senate's Republican majority allowed unlimited time for supporters of the bill to speak, including Democratic Sen. Thomas Duane who sponsored it and Republican Sen. Stephen Saland who provided the pivotal vote. But Lieutenant Gov. Robert Duffy, presiding of the Senate, repeatedly cut off Democratic Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr., a minister who led the opposition to the bill. Diaz sought to persuade his colleagues to vote "no."

The lawsuit also claims that promises of campaign contributions were made to Republican senators who voted for the bill.

Learn more about the lawsuit here at the NYCF website.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Law, New York, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (9)

Over 10,000 Demonstrators Usher in New Era in Gay Marriage Battle As Thousands Demand, “Let the People Vote!”

July 25, 2011 – 3:12 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mary Beth Hutchins or Elizabeth Ray at 703-683-5004

WASHINGTON — The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) today praised the more than ten thousand supporters who crowded streets and plazas in New York City, Albany Rochester and Buffalo in four simultaneous rallies to demand the Legislature give New Yorkers the right to vote on marriage, just as voters in 31 other states have been able to do. NOM estimates that well in excess of 10,000 supporters attended the four rallies.

“The crowds of supporters were just amazing,” said Brian Brown, NOM’s president. “The crowd in Manhattan was so large the NYPD asked us to begin our march early so that we could relieve overcrowding at the gathering site. By the time we reached the United Nation’s plaza, nearly 10,000 people were present. This shows that a new era in the debate about same-sex marriage has begun. It’s not about what politicians think is best, it’s about demanding that the People be given their right to be heard.”

NOM will work with other rally organizers to put a measure on the 2014 ballot to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The organization has committed $2 million toward this goal, with funding the rallies and a series of mailers into state Senate districts being the initial down payment.

“We will ask every legislative candidate – Democrat, Republican and Conservative Party – where they stand on letting the people vote on marriage,” Brown pledged. “If they aren’t willing to commit their support to putting a measure on the ballot, even if party leaders don’t agree, not only won’t they get our backing, they will get our opposition. We’re going to elect a pro-marriage Legislature in 2012.”

Brown said that NOM will help organize monthly activities to keep up public pressure and momentum for putting a marriage amendment on the ballot. “The rallies yesterday were just the beginning. Every month we’ll be calling on supporters to take action and to help us grow our coalition. Working with leaders such as Sen. Ruben Diaz, Bishop Joseph Mattera, New Yorkers for Constitutional Rights president Jason McGuire and others, we will create the largest coalition ever assembled in New York history by the time we’re done. This is a great and righteous cause.”

To schedule an interview with Brian Brown, President of the National Organization for Marriage, or Maggie Gallagher, Chairman of the Board, please contact Mary Beth Hutchins (x105), [email protected], or Elizabeth Ray (x130), [email protected], at 703-683-5004.

###

By NOM Staff | Posted in Let The People Vote, New York, Press Releases | Comments (26)

Brian Brown on Fire in Albany: "NOM Head Seeking an Army to Undo a Lie"

July 25, 2011 – 12:48 pm

A sample of Brian's barnburner speech in Albany:

“All we have done is put into statute a lie,” said Brian Brown, president of the National Organization for Marriage.

... Brown said his group, and others, should build a new coalition to push for a statewide referendum on same-sex marriage. He proposed amending New York’s constitution, which requires the approval of two successive legislatures and a popular vote. It would take until November, 2013, for such an effort to bear fruit, but legislative leaders have indicated no interest in allowing the necessary bills to floor votes.

... “We are not the kind of people that when politicians betray us, to take our rights away, go home,” Brown said. “If they believe their polls, then let this come to a vote. I don’t think lies enacted into law can last.”

By NOM Staff | Posted in Let The People Vote, New York, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (37)

Impromptu Syracuse Rally: Let the People Vote!

July 25, 2011 – 12:30 pm

NOM helped organize rallies in Manhattan, Albany, Buffalo and Rochester (more on that soon!).

... Syracuse joined on its own!

...Several dozen people gathered for the "Let the People Vote Rally" in Clinton Square Sunday afternoon.

Organizers believe that the same sex marriage law should have been something that New Yorkers voted on rather than a few hundred legislators.

They also claim 31 other states have had same sex marriage laws go before the people and every time the people voted to uphold traditional marriage.

"Let the people vote, that is our message. Let the people vote to repeal this same sex marriage law. New York State was not able to, people were not able to vote and that's our message today...let the people vote,” said Kenneth Reed, Greater Evangelical Church pastor.

Organizers say similar rallies will continue across the state until lawmakers decide to listen and put this issue before the people. - YNN

By NOM Staff | Posted in Let The People Vote, New York, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (5)

Over 10,000 Join NYC "Let the People Vote" Rally -- Thousands More Gather Across NY!

July 24, 2011 – 8:22 pm

We'll have a full report up tomorrow, but in the meantime, the Associated Press reports on the thousands upon thousands of you who joined us in New York City and across the state to stand up for marriage and the right of the people to vote (find out more at the official LTPV website)!

Thousands of opponents of gay marriage took to the streets in loud and sometimes tense protests Sunday, the first day that legal same-sex weddings were performed.

The National Organization for Marriage held rallies in New York City, Albany, Rochester and Buffalo, saying Gov. Andrew Cuomo and lawmakers redefined marriage without giving voters a chance to weigh-in, as they have in other states. Protesters chanted "Let the People Vote!" at rallies across the state.

A rally in New York City that started with several hundred people crowding the street across from Cuomo's Manhattan office quickly swelled to thousands of people out in loud opposition to the new law.

... Around 3:30, the protesters started marching uptown toward the United Nations. By the time they reached the UN, the crowd numbered in the many thousands, filling up 47th Street. They were joined by a brass band as a stage was set up for speakers. -- Associated Press

Check back tomorrow for more from us! A huge thank you to everyone who joined with us and supported us today in the Empire State!

By NOM Staff | Posted in Let The People Vote, New York, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (73)

Can't Attend Our Rallies in NY Today? Show Your Support Virtually!

July 24, 2011 – 12:27 pm

For those of you unable to attend our rallies in New York today in person: become a virtual marcher!.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Let The People Vote, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (11)

Senator Ruben Diaz Disavows Any Message of Hatred

July 24, 2011 – 12:23 pm

A press release from his office issued yesterday about today's Let The People Vote rally:

“No one is welcome to bring any message of hatred to our “Let the People Vote Rally” tomorrow.

Tomorrow Christians will stand together to prayerfully and peacefully demand a public referendum on the question of same-sex marriage laws in New York State.

... Should ANY member of any group express any message of hatred toward homosexuals at our rally it will be publicly denounced by me and by my fellow ministers."

By NOM Staff | Posted in Let The People Vote, New York, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (15)

Outside of NYC, Few Requests for SSM

July 24, 2011 – 11:27 am

The Poughkeepsie Journal reports, gay marriage is legal in N.Y. today, but local clerks are getting few license requests:

More than 35 same sex couples in the city and town of Poughkeepsie, City of Beacon and Village of New Paltz have expressed interest in getting married now that it is legal in New York.

Several definitely plan to do so. But there has been minimal interest expressed in most local towns.

"We have gotten none and not even any inquiries," said Pleasant Valley Town Clerk Deborah Bjorkman on Thursday. "I'm kind of surprised."

...Clerks in local town and city halls have been provided with new marriage forms by the state Department of Health. Hyde Park Town Clerk Donna McGrogan said she was sent about 50, but her office has received no calls, or had any residents coming in, asking about obtaining a same-sex marriage license.

By NOM Staff | Posted in New York, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (26)

Brian Brown: Sunday Rallies Across New York Could Draw Total of 5,000+!

July 22, 2011 – 3:33 pm

We're all getting excited about this Sunday's Let The People Vote! rallies across New York.

The Christian Post caught up with Brian Brown and asked him how the final preparations are going:

The [rallies] will take place at 633 3rd Ave in front of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office at 3 p.m. on July 24, the same day the law legalizing gay marriage will officially come into effect. 

“It’s hard to tell but the response has been amazing,” said Brian S. Brown, president of the National Organization for Marriage, to The Christian Post. “I think they’ll be 5,000 or possibly more at all of the rallies.”

Along with the Manhattan rally, other simultaneous [rallies] are slated to take place in cities such as Albany, Buffalo and Rochester, according to Brown.

The goal of the [rallies], he said, is to organize a movement that will give the people of New York the right to vote on the issue of gay-marriage, which New York politicians took upon themselves to legalize without hearing the people.

Will you join us this Sunday and become one of the 5,000 for marriage?

By NOM Staff | Posted in Let The People Vote, New York, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (40)

Join Us Live or Online for "Let the People Vote" Rallies this Sunday!

July 22, 2011 – 2:09 pm

LetThePeopleVote.com

Dear Marriage Supporter,

In just two days, New Yorkers from across the state will come together in Manhattan, Albany, Buffalo and Rochester, declaring publicly that, even as same-sex couples begin marrying under the new same-sex marriage regime, the marriage debate is far from over, and cannot be until politicians finally agree to let all New Yorkers vote.

I hope you'll join us at 3pm this Sunday afternoon as we gather in simultaneous rallies across New York to reaffirm the truth about marriage, democracy and religious liberty. Together, we will call upon Governor Cuomo and the politicians in Albany to "Let the People Vote!"

LTPV Locations

Can't make it to one of "Let the People Vote" rallies? No problem. You can join us online and become a virtual marcher. We will be broadcasting live video simultaneously on Sunday from all four event locations at LetThePeopleVote.com.

Whether you'll be joining us live or online, please RSVP to let us know you're coming!

City clerks are being threatened with jail if they refuse to issue same-sex marriage licenses. Innkeepers and banquet halls face litigation if they refuse to celebrate a same-sex wedding reception. Intimidation is fast becoming the hallmark of the gay marriage agenda.

I hope you'll join us as together we tell the world that the truth will not be silenced! We will stand and fight for marriage until this civil wrong has been righted, and the people of New York are given their right to vote.

Help spread the word by forwarding this email to your friends and family, or click here to share through your online social networks.

  • WHO: You and thousands of other marriage supporters!
  • WHAT: Let the People Vote!
    Simultaneous rallies in Manhattan, Albany, Rochester and Buffalo
    Plus an online simulcast from all four locations
  • WHEN: This Sunday afternoon (July 24th) @ 3:00pm ET
  • WHERE:
    • Albany – West Capitol Park (South Swan and State Streets)
    • Manhattan – 633 Third Avenue
    • Rochester – Liberty Pole (East Avenue and East Main Street)
    • Buffalo – Buffalo City Hall (65 Niagara Square #201.)
  • WHY: We are standing up to tell the world that the truth will not be silenced. New York politicians will be held accountable for their votes, and the people of New York demand the right to vote on marriage, just as voters in 31 other states have already done.

Marriage has survived for thousands of years, and it will survive this latest challenge as well. This Sunday is a powerful moment to remind everyone watching that our setbacks are only temporary, and that marriage will emerge victorious and intact in the end.

Proud to be standing with you,

Brian Brown

Brian Brown

Brian S. Brown
President
National Organization for Marriage

PS: Can you give $20 or $30 to help offset the costs of weekend's rallies? Your gift right now would be very much appreciated to help cover the costs of Sunday's events and prepare for future efforts in defense of marriage! Click here to make your secure online gift right now.

Contribute

By Brian Brown | Posted in Let The People Vote, New York, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (21)

Members of the Rockville Centre Tea Party Call for Dean Skelos's Resignation Over SSM

July 22, 2011 – 1:40 pm

LetThePeopleVote.comVia LIHerald.com:

Members of the Rockville Centre Tea Party held a protest outside State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos’s district office on Front Street on July 15, prompting a spontaneous counterprotest by some patrons of the Vibe Lounge next door, during which the two groups of demonstrators traded verbal barbs.

The Tea Party protesters voiced opposition to Skelos’s decision to allow the same-sex marriage bill to be put to a vote on the floor of the Senate on June 24. They carried signs calling for voters to “dump” Skelos, and decried marriage between anyone other than a man and a woman.

Although Skelos voted against the bill, the Tea Party members said that his actions were not representative of the interests of his constituents.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Let The People Vote, New York, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (16)

More on the Positive Economic Effect of Two-Biological-Parent Families

July 22, 2011 – 1:37 pm

In The Public Discourse:

William Jeynes continues his argument about family structure and wellbeing, offering five suggestions on how our nation can regain a healthy marriage culture-and the economic prosperity and personal flourishing that comes with it.

The five suggestions are as follows (in shortened form, click here to read the full article):

[First] Although we should always show compassion toward individuals who suffer from problems unique to non-traditional family structures, divorce, and pre-marital intercourse, none of these should be regarded from a morally neutral standpoint.

Second, in the name of compassion, people should acknowledge the unique challenges faced by children from non-traditional family structures.

Third, American society should stop devaluing fathers and recognize that they are a crucial pillar of the family.

Fourth, American society and particularly certain facets of society, such as Hollywood and the academic world, need to be more responsible in communicating to youth the importance of acting not only with integrity and sensitivity, but also with a prudent view of the long-term consequences of their actions.

Fifth, American society needs to encourage institutions that serve to strengthen the family, including the church and other groups that promote loyalty and justice.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Culture, Marriage | Comments (1)

NYTimes Interviews Young New Yorkers on Marriage

July 22, 2011 – 10:00 am

Some examples:

The New York Times interviewed dozens of people in recent days to get their perspective on the topic. With more teenagers coming out in high school, many said that homosexuality and bisexuality was more mainstream than it was a generation ago. Nevertheless, their gay peers, relatives and siblings still faced challenges. “You’d be surprised at how many young people do not agree with a man-and-man relationship,” said Tara Mercado, 20, whose best friend is bisexual.

... “The institution of marriage as a whole is just a legal state now. There’s no prestige for it,” said Harrison Troyano, 20, a classics major at Hunter College in Manhattan, who said his generation was “jaded.” “People argue about the sanctity of marriage in a religious situation, but we live in a country in which destroys that in more ways than one,” he said...

... But for those who consider themselves religious, Muslims and Roman Catholics in particular, the idea of same-sex marriage was still problematic. “If you want to live together, live together, but getting married, that’s pushing it too far,” said Wilson Valencia, 19, who was raised Catholic in the Bronx.

By NOM Staff | Posted in New York, Same Sex Marriage, Youth | Comments (35)

Hadley Arkes on Gay Marriage and Surprises for Liberals

July 22, 2011 – 9:00 am

Legal scholar Hadley Arkes predicts where the fight over marriage is headed:

What hasn’t quite dawned yet, even on good liberal citizens, open to novelties in the law, is that same-sex marriage is not the ultimate, culminating end for gay-lesbian activists. It is only an intermediate end, on the way to the state of things even more devoutly to be wished.

... surely even these companies [which require ss employees to be married to receive benefits] must know that the laws on marriage have been challenged by those seeking, not only polygamy, but a right to cohabit in “polyamorous,” sexual relations with an ensemble of persons professing their love. Some companies, like Google and Microsoft, got themselves into this situation with liberal conviction. Other companies simply sought to buy peace.

But they will have now neither peace nor stability. They will either have to open their treasuries to benefits and novelties ever enlarging, or come at last to this recognition: that even they must cast a judgment on the meaning of marriage and the rightful boundaries of the sexual life.

By NOM Staff | Posted in Culture, Law, Polygamy, Same Sex Marriage | Comments (9)
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