New York ties the knot

At 10.30 pm on Friday, New York time (12.30pm on Saturday, Sydney time) the New York State Senate voted 33-29 to pass the marriage equality bill. 32 votes had been needed to pass the legislation.

Rapturous applause broke out from the public gallery after the vote with chants of “USA! USA!”, and many shouting their thanks to senators. The Senate then adjourned.

Following the vote the summit of the Empire State Building was lit up with the colours of the rainbow flag.

The Star Observer understands that New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has already signed the bill into law.

A vote had been expected earlier in the week but Republicans had wanted stronger language in the bill outlining religious exemptions and no religious organisation will be forced to endorse, provide services to or cooperate with a same-sex marriage.

Earlier in the day, in a positive sign, Republican Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos had said the bill would be a “vote of conscience for every member of this Senate.”

In reaction, Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich, said that public support for same-sex marriage in Australia equalled that in New York, giving advocates for reform renewed hope that change will occur here sooner rather than later.

“The fact New York legislators rejected half measures like civil unions as a substitute for marriage equality sends a clear message to Australian legislators to do the same,” Greenwich said.

“The introduction of marriage equality legislation by Democrat Governor, Andrew Cuomo, and the overwhelming support of his Party highlights the momentum building amongst centre-left parties around the world and we are hopeful the ALP will soon join the global push for marriage equality”.

Greenwich had spoken to human rights campaigners in New York including the Advocacy Director of Human Rights Watch, Boris Dittrich, who stated that they hoped to see Australia be the next place to “walk down the aisle”.

“With the state of New York on board, a big step has been taken to achieve same-sex marriage nationwide in the US,” Dittrich said.

“The eyes of the world are now set on Australia. I hope Australia will be next in ending discrimination of same sex couples in terms of marriage legislation.”

Greenwich said the further exemptions to anti-discrimination laws, such as those enacted in New York, were not necessary in Australia as Australian law already allowed religious celebrants to refuse to perform marriages they disagree with, while the Sex Discrimination Act permitted faith-based services to discriminate on the ground of marital status.

“There is no need for any further exemptions for religious organisations.”

“There will be gay Australians who marry in New York, only to have their legal status stripped away from them the moment they return home. We hope the our Government will one-day soon respect the solemn vows these partners will take.”

In Australia only the state of Tasmania recognises overseas same-sex marriages and only as civil partnerships.

New York joins five other US states – Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont and New Hampshire – and the US capital, Washington DC, in legalising same-sex marriage while a court battle over whether gay and lesbian Californian continues to work its way through the courts.