Gay Marriage Suffers Legal Setback in New York

[rodbarnett]

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer said on Wednesday the state's laws do not permit gay marriage, dealing a harsh blow to the growing nationwide battle for same-sex weddings.

Spurred to give an opinion after a small town mayor married gays last week, Spitzer said he personally supports the desire of same-sex couples to marry but must uphold the state's laws.

<snip>

know gays and lesbians want marriage and I respect their commitment to each other and I personally support their desire," Spitzer told a news conference.


But as state attorney general, he said he must put New York law before "my personal views or political considerations."


Spitzer said in a written analysis of state law that "The language of the New York State Domestic Relations Law -- which includes references to 'bride and groom' and 'husband and wife' -- does not authorize the issuance of licenses to same sex couples in New York."

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20040304/us_nm/rights_gays_dc_8

[Andy_Stephenson]

1. The language needs changing

"The language of the New York State Domestic Relations Law -- which includes references to 'bride and groom' and 'husband and wife'

[SoDesuKa]

2. Spitzer Starting to Waffle

Spitzer built up a profile prosecuting securities industry cases, but he's showing weakness in his stances regarding social justice. If there's any legal daylight allowing same-sex marriages, he should go for it. But he's become timid, reflecting a problem that besets a wide range of Democratic politicians - no guts.

There won't be a Governor Spitzer after all.

[tedzbear]

3. Hmmmmmmmmm... Business as usual.

The democratic party is saying, "promise them cake but throw 'em crumbs..."

The DNC better watch it's step before it alienates a percentage of its support that might make the difference between Bush winning or losing in Nov.

That may sound like blackmail, but actually it's just politics, kids.