SPECIAL ALERT

Gov. Patterson polling support for his marriage decision as opposition takes legal action!

GET INVOLVED- Gov. Patterson is polling support for his marriage decision as opposition takes legal action!

Gov. David Paterson told state agencies on May 14 that New York must recognize same-sex marriages performed in Massachusetts, Canada and other places where they are legal. The directive should provide gay couples with as many as 1,300 rights afforded to married heterosexuals, including the ability to collect health and pension benefits, being admitted as “close family” in a hospital room and transferring a business license.

On June 3rd, a Christian legal organization says it has sued to stop New York from recognizing same-sex marriages legally performed in other states. The Alliance Defense Fund says it filed its lawsuit Tuesday in a court in the Bronx. Several Republican state senators are named as party to the suit. The Arizona-based legal group filing the lawsuit has intervened elsewhere in gay marriage and religious freedom cases.

WE MUST STAND UP FOR OUR RIGHTS NOW!

Governor Patterson is doing a poll on whether people support his decision. Take 5 seconds to lodge your support, just call 1-518-474-8390. You will talk to a live person from the Governor's office during business hours.

Just say "I support the Governor's position on same sex marriage," then give them your 5 digit (New York) zip code.

And, after doing that, join us for pride, for our annual wedding march in September (add it to your calendars), and donate so we can do more (like our "walk a mile in our shoes campaign" and our Albany event Monday of this week) to show these groups we will not accept anything short of equality!

Happy Pride!
The Board Members of MENY

return to top

Upcoming Events (see listings on VolunteerMatch.org)

A Marriage Milestone for Canadians and New Yorkers!
Celebrate a marriage milestone! Honor marriage pioneers!
Saturday June 14 2008, 2pm
City Hall, New York City
To register as a couple or to cosponsor, contact: Brendan Fay, Civil Marriage Trail 718-721-2780, Brendan@stpatsforall.com

Look for MENY's table at the following Pride Events:
June 7 Staten Island Pride
June 8 Albany Pride
June 8 Long Island Pride
June 14 Brooklyn Pride
June 23 LGBT Center Garden Party
Sunday, June 22, Heritage of Pride - Pride Rally, 2pm
MENY will be joined by Julie Goldman and the Gender Offenders to entertain you and update you on quest marriage equality in New York State.
Sunday, June 29, March with MENY at the largest Gay Pride March in the country. Please check our website for up to date information and line-up location: www.marriageequaliyny.org

return to top

SAVE THE DATE!

Marriage Equality 5th Annual Wedding March, September 14, 2008!

return to top

More Ways to Get Involved

Form a Chapter

If you'd like to form a local chapter in other parts of New York State, we can give you all the help you need. Local chapters can do a little or a lot-- it all helps the cause. Organize an educational forum, speak to your local elected officials, or hold a house party.

Party for a Cause

It's a party...that helps the cause of marriage. Invite your friends and family, get some dip and mixers, and you're all set! As your guests enjoy each other's company, take some time to inform them about what marriage means to you and to our community. Encourage them to become members of Marriage Equality New York, and talk to them about becoming involved.

Start a Marriage Circle

All you need is a few good friends. By email, IM, phone, and face-to-face, you keep each other informed about what's going on in the marriage movement. You commit to doing something for marriage-- together. Write a letter to your local leaders or newspaper, or hold a mini-event..

To find out more or to discuss other ideas email info@marriageequalityny.org

return to top

About Marriage Equality New York
Founded in 1998, Marriage Equality New York is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to secure the freedom and the right of same-sex couples to enter into legally-recognized civil marriage, having all the federal and state benefits and responsibilities which that entails. Marriage Equality New York, the founding chapter of the national organization, Marriage Equality USA, is a statewide, grassroots organization committed to ending discrimination in civil marriage through education, media awareness, political lobbying and coalition building.

About This Email
You have been added to our email list because you subscribed online or otherwise provided us your e-mail address. We hope you enjoy receiving our updates on the battle for same-sex marriage rights here in New York.