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Marriage Equality

WHEREAS, the New York State Young Democrats support all efforts to afford equal protection under the law to New York State citizens regardless of race, religion, gender, disability and sexual orientation;

WHEREAS, same gender couples, opposite gender couples, and their families are equal under the New York State Constitution and equally deserve the protections and happiness of marriage;

WHEREAS, civil union does not mean marriage;

WHEREAS, equal marriage will promote and protect the happiness and well-being of same gender couples and same gender attracted youth and adults;

WHEREAS, Governor David Paterson’s Marriage Equality Program Bill would amend the Domestic Relations Law to give same-sex couples the opportunity to enter into civil marriages. It would mandate that all provisions of State law be construed to encompass same-sex marriages, consistent with the legislation’ s intent, regardless of whether they use gender-specific or gender-neutral terms. As a result of this legislation, same-sex spouses would enjoy the same legal status and treatment under New York law as heterosexual couples, on issues such as property ownership, inheritance, health care, and insurance coverage.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the New York State Young Democrats Executive Committee on behalf of the New York State Young Democrats, enthusiastically supports the passage of Governor David Paterson’s Marriage Equality Program Bill to end legal discrimination against same sex couples and recognizes the fundamental civil right of marriage to promote the happiness and well-being of all couples.