"The League was born because women were denied the right to vote. Same-gender couples
today are denied the right to marry. By supporting this concurrence,
we take the first step toward correcting this injustice."
-Lori Dawson, of the LWV of Saratoga County (declared during the June 2010 convention's pre-vote debate)
National Position (LWVUS)
In June 2010, at the national convention of the United States League of Women Voters, the Equality of Opportunity position was updated to specifically include Marriage Equality:
"The League of Women Voters of the United States supports equal rights for all under state and federal law. LWVUS supports legislation to equalize the legal rights, obligations, and benefits available to same-gender couples with those available to heterosexual couples. LWVUS supports legislation to permit same-gender couples to marry under civil law. The League believes that the civil status of marriage is already clearly distinguished from the religious institution of marriage and that religious rights will be preserved."
Zach Wahls, a 19-year-old University of Iowa student spoke about the strength of his family during a public forum on House Joint Resolution 6 in the Iowa House of Representatives. Wahls has two mothers, and came to oppose House Joint Resolution 6 which would end civil unions in Iowa. The House voted in favor of a constitutional ban on gay marriage, civil unions, and domestic partnerships on Feb. 1.
Gender Identity and Expression
Often times, when speaking of Marriage Equality, the conversation is very narrowly focused on homosexual couples, however, the gay community constitutes a much broader spectrum. Gender identity and expression refers to the way people self-identify and present their masculinity and/or femininity to the world. Often, but not always, this corresponds to the person's sex as assigned at birth, so that a person born biologically male or female often dresses, adopts a hair style, and uses a name and pronoun in ways that reflect the culturally accepted roles associated with their birth sex. Transgender is an umbrella term used to designate a community of people who regularly present in a gender different from the sex assigned to them at birth and who live a significant part of their lives in that gender. This includes people who have undergone medical procedures to change their sex and those who have not. Sexual orientation refers to one's romantic and sexual attraction. Gender variance is not in itself any indicator of sexual orientation. Just like everyone else, gender variant and transgender people may be heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, or asexual.
-Betsey Swan, President, LWV New York State
Marriage Equality in New York State
The League of Women Voters has joined Empire State Pride in the newly formed New Yorkers United for Marriage to support the legalization of same-sex marriage in New York.
"The time to allow loving and committed couples to marry is long overdue, and we are thrilled to lend our support to this effort," Betsey Swan, president of the League of Women Voters of New York State, said in a statement. "The League has always advocated for fundamental fairness and equal protection under the law. It hurts all New Yorkers when some families are denied the respect, protections and responsibilities of marriage. We are very pleased that the majority of New Yorkers now agree."
Much progress has (and hasn't) been made regarding the issue of marriage equality in New York State. Same-sex marriage legislation passed the New York State Assembly for the first time on June 19, 2007. On May 29, 2008, the former governor Paterson directed all New York state agencies to begin to revise their policies and regulations to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions based upon the Appellate Division's Martinez decision. This directive has been challenged and the case is currently on appeal. A bill to legalize same-sex marriage passed the New York State Assembly a second time in 2009, however it was defeated on the floor of the New York State Senate by a vote of 24 to 38.
Despite this defeat, Marriage Equality has and is still gaining support in New York State. According to a Quinnipiac University poll released on January 27, 2011 in the article Gay Marriage Wins Highest Support Ever In New York, by the highest margin ever, 56 - 37 percent, New York State voters support legislation allowing same-sex couples to marry.
This compares to 51 - 41 percent support, the previous high, measured in a June 23, 2009 survey, by the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University.
Support for gay marriage is 69 - 25 percent among Democrats and 55 - 39 percent among independent voters. Republicans are opposed 52 - 41 percent. Men back gay marriage 54 - 40 percent and women support it 58 - 34 percent. Support is highest among suburban voters, 61 - 33 percent. New York City voters support gay marriage 55 - 37 percent and upstate voters support it 54 - 39 percent.
"Gov. Andrew Cuomo didn't make a big issue of same-sex marriage in his state-of-the- state speech, but he said he was for it and so are most New Yorkers," said Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.
"New York State voter attitudes about gay marriage have shifted dramatically since April 15, 2004, when Quinnipiac University first asked about gay marriage and found voters opposed the measure 55 - 37 percent."
How You Can Help
State public opinion polls show the majority of New York's citizens support these issues. Based on strong member interest, LWVNYS plans to lobby actively for marriage equality and GENDA during 2011. If these issues are important to you, we could use your help in one or more of the following ways:
Save the Date. On Monday, May 9, 2011 the Empire State Pride Agenda (ESPA) is holding its annual lobby day, Equality and Justice Day, in Albany. Registration is required. Click here to register for this event;
Our lobbying efforts will focus on Assembly members and Senators who have no stated positions or who are opposed to these bills. We are looking for League members who are willing to call, write, or visit one or both of their own elected officials;
We are trying to establish a story bank about ways in which the failure to support marriage equality and prohibit transgender discrimination has hurt you or those you love. If you have a story you are willing to share, please send it to us.
If you have questions about our positions, would like more information or wish to volunteer, please contact our office.
Marriage Equality