Holy Cow NYS Senate has approved Same Sex Marriage in NY

[wallyb]

...but we're going to go and get that piece of paper in hand before anyone has the chance to screw with it or mess it up!!)

We did this too up here in MA - when Lovely Mitt Romney was trying to
pull some 1920 obscurer law out of his GOP butt to stop gay marriage.
What a tool!

 

[NHdisneylover]

Yeah, the 30 days is technically July 24th....but no official date has been announced that I can find record of. All the reports are currently stating "by late July" so we're thinking thye might do Friday, July 23rd or Monday, July 26th." I am going to call our county clerk here in Rochester on Tuesday (assuming that they will probably be overrun with calls and information on Monday) and ask if they have any news and ask about the process so we can start the wheels in motion.

The more I think about it, the more I recall how it went when Civil Unions became legal in NH (that happened before marriage which is now legal). It became legal on Jan 1 and we hosted a wedding at our house NYE. The couple got the paperwork all set up ahead of time (like many other couples of all persuasions) and is was just that the legal officiant had to sign on or after Jan 1 when it became legal--SO the courthouse itself did not have to be opened at the time. In our friends' case the wedding was held right after midnight and the paperwork signed by the officiant they had. Then it was turned in to be filed, at the courthouse sometime the next week.
Maybe that is how it will work in NY as well.

 

[Targsmom]

but for all of us who are already in committed long term relationships, I do believe that NOW is our time..

Jumping in here.. didn't read everything.. but my partner and I were planning on celebrating our 10 year "Anniversary" in Disney this year.. looks like it will also be our Honeymoon.

(now I'll go back and read so I don't look like an attention seeking troll)

 

[C&G'sMama]

From the City of Rochester's (New York) Marrige License Page
Information and Requirements
Blood tests are no longer required.
State law does not permit the issuance of marriage licenses to same sex couples. T
o obtain a marriage license, you must bring a certified birth certificate with a raised seal and a current government issued photo identification. If your birth certificate is in another language other than English or Spanish, a certified translation is required.
If you are divorced, you must provide a copy of your most recent divorce decree. If you have been divorced more than once, you must provide the date(s) of earlier divorce(s). If your divorce decree is in another language other than English or Spanish, a certified translation is required.
If a marriage ended due to death, a "certified death certificate" is required.
Once issued, the marriage license cannot be used for 24 hours and must be used within sixty days.
Witnesses must be at least 18 years of age.
For information on how to research an existing marriage license purchased at City Hall from 1910 through the present, please click here.

So obviously the website hasn't been updated and we have to wait
'til July 24th. But the 2nd item in red. So we'd have to go down to city hall and then wait 24hours to actually get married it looks like. I don't know anything about civil ceremonies. Do we just show up 24 hours later or do we have to make an appt with a judge.

Anyone have any thoughts (Tig and Pixie, I'm looking at you more)

 

[NHdisneylover]

Jumping in here.. didn't read everything.. but my partner and I were planning on celebrating our 10 year "Anniversary" in Disney this year.. looks like it will also be our Honeymoon.

(now I'll go back and read so I don't look like an attention seeking troll)

Seek all the attention you want you FINALLY get this moment--take it. Congratulations on that trip being turned into a honeymoon

 

[RadioFanatic]

I hope you don't mind me intruding, but I wanted to tell you about someone who, in my mind, is a hero, but is not someone you know. And to let me brag for a minute about someone who would never do it for himself and would probably be embarassed that I'm doing it.

In over thanksgiving in 1998, I married a wonderful man (I'm a hetero female) who I knew was sensitive, kind and wanted justice for all. About one month later, he was hired as counsel to a man who was just elected NYS Senator - Thomas Duane, who happened to be the only openly gay, HIV positive legislator in NYS at the time. My husband started working for him in January 1999. From the start, one of the Senator's key, if not main, issues was Marriage Equality. My husband assisted Senator Duane (who is one of the sweetest men I have ever met) in this fight, along with the fight for SONDA (yeah!), Dignity for all students Act last year, which my husband helped draft and we have a copy of it with Governor Paterson's official pen framed on our dining room wall), Marriage Equality and of course he is helping the Senator still fight for the passage GENDA.

The past few years, and especially the past few weeks, have been very stressful for him, working behind the scenes, as is his job. Many nights my son and I didn't see him as he got in at 2 am, left by 7 am to work. I was so proud of him working on this important issue.

And then Friday night happened. I, like many of you, watched it from home, minute by minute, with bated breath. It was amazing! I was (and am) so proud to be a New Yorker! And I was so proud of my husband for helping Senator Duane do an amazing thing. And I was so impressed with Governor Cuomo and how amazing he was througout this process. And impressed with the courage of those who came forward and voted with their conscience - Republican and Democrats alike. And I was so honored to know someone, let alone be MARRIED TO (and understanding the irony) someone who helped Senator Duane in the process, was in the Senate chamber during the historic vote and was really a quiet/small part of history. And I'm so happy that our three year old son will think that marriage for all is normal (as it should be) bc that is what he will now grow up with.

And then - the Senator asked us to walk with him and his partner Louis in the NYC Pride Parade. We came down from Albany early Sunday in the morning to do so. I can honestly say that, after marrying my husband and giving birth to our son, this was one of the top five emotionally inspiring things I have ever done in my life. The people were wonderful - I have never seen anything like it in my life! The gratitude and thanks from the spectators was amazing. And the Senator kindly took my husband (who had our son on his shoulders) to walk right next to him and his partner during the parade to show his appreciation. I got wonderful pictures of it which I will treasure always. I was choked up during most of the parade with happiness, with pride for all who worked so hard on the issue and just trying to grasp the magnitude of what I was experiencing. I still feel it today.

So thanks for listening to this long drawn out piece to tell you a little about one man who played a small part, who helped in the best way he could, and who no one will really know. And that's okay, bc it's how he really wants it (except for me being a boastful wife!)

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Bravo Radio! Congrats and thanks to your husband for everything he did to get this passed. I know it must have been hard for you, being without him for extended periods of time, but I'm sure you see it as well worth it now.

You both deserved to walk in that parade!

 

[Targsmom]

So thanks for listening to this long drawn out piece to tell you a little about one man who played a small part, who helped in the best way he could, and who no one will really know. And that's okay, bc it's how he really wants it (except for me being a boastful wife!)

No part is a small part. All the parts came together to make one awesome thing..

Thank you so much.

 

[C&G'sMama]

So thanks for listening to this long drawn out piece to tell you a little about one man who played a small part, who helped in the best way he could, and who no one will really know. And that's okay, bc it's how he really wants it (except for me being a boastful wife!)

Thank you for sharing.

 

[pixie dust 112]

As promised, I checked into when things can start happening. The State has advised my city that Marriage licenses for same gender couples can be applied for starting on July 24, 2011. They are working on a new application form, as the current one is for "bride" and "groom". Please note that July 24 is a Sunday. My City will not be open on Sunday, but we don't expect a large rush of couples applying for marriage licenses that day as may happen in some of the larger cities. So therefore, in my City, the earliest a same gender couple could apply for a marriage license is on July 25th. The earliest anyone can mary is 24 hours after the license is issued (though I believe an exception to this rule may have been passed this session for military persons who are being shipped out, or something like that, but not sure if that went through.)

I wouldn't be surprised if some larger municipalities have their clerk's office open on Sunday July 24. I've been told that NYC is expecting to ask for alot of overtime workers to deal with what the feel will be a considerable number of applications!

If I get word that anything changes, I'll let you know!

 

[DrGaellon]

Yeah, the 30 days is technically July 24th....but no official date has been announced that I can find record of. All the reports are currently stating "by late July" so we're thinking thye might do Friday, July 23rd or Monday, July 26th." I am going to call our county clerk here in Rochester on Tuesday (assuming that they will probably be overrun with calls and information on Monday) and ask if they have any news and ask about the process so we can start the wheels in motion.

They can't do July 23rd; the law as passed says "This bill shall become effective on the 30th day after it shall have become a law." It became law on June 24th at 1155pm when Gov. Cuomo signed, so it becomes effective July 24th; any same-sex marriage license issued prior to 1201am on 7/24 is challengable. I suspect the Governor might, by executive order, cause the appropriate offices to be open on that Saturday (didn't California do that?).

 

[DrGaellon]

So thanks for listening to this long drawn out piece to tell you a little about one man who played a small part, who helped in the best way he could, and who no one will really know. And that's okay, bc it's how he really wants it (except for me being a boastful wife!)

Please tell your husband that there are a LOT of very grateful gays and lesbians in New York State this week.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Radio Fanatic--I love your husband's story--thanks for sharing it and a big thank you to him, and to everyone else who worked tirelessly to bring equality to New York.

 

[tig82174]

So obviously the website hasn't been updated and we have to wait
'til July 24th. But the 2nd item in red. So we'd have to go down to city hall and then wait 24hours to actually get married it looks like. I don't know anything about civil ceremonies. Do we just show up 24 hours later or do we have to make an appt with a judge.

Anyone have any thoughts (Tig and Pixie, I'm looking at you more)

I believe anyone who is licensed as an officiant to conduct a wedding can then sign the marriage license (although I may be wrong-----obviously until now I hadn't really put much effort into researching the details of marriage)...so i don't think you have to make an appt. with a judge....a minister (if you are connected to one) could probably do it, as well. Jason and I will probably start looking into this very seriously after we get through a family weekend on the 4th....and Jason's parents and siblings who live in Central NY all want to be the witnesses even at the small legal proceeding.

So thanks for listening to this long drawn out piece to tell you a little about one man who played a small part, who helped in the best way he could, and who no one will really know. And that's okay, bc it's how he really wants it (except for me being a boastful wife!)

What a wonderful story that highlights something that I have long argued both personally and professionally (I actually work in an LGBT Health field and so spend a lot of time considering issues of LGBT equality, access, etc.)----and that is that as LGBT people we cannot and will not ever achieve any form of equality without the support and courage of non-LGBT allies. In truth, I don't believe that any marginalized population ever has...or ever will. Your husband is a clear and poignant testament to this truth. Tell him we collectively say thanks!

(And, on a related note, you're right Senator Duane is really remarkable. I had the opportunity to work with him for a time on the NYS AIDS Advisory Council when I was the NY state community co-chair of the NY HIV Prevention Planning Group)

As promised, I checked into when things can start happening. The State has advised my city that Marriage licenses for same gender couples can be applied for starting on July 24, 2011. They are working on a new application form, as the current one is for "bride" and "groom". Please note that July 24 is a Sunday. My City will not be open on Sunday, but we don't expect a large rush of couples applying for marriage licenses that day as may happen in some of the larger cities. So therefore, in my City, the earliest a same gender couple could apply for a marriage license is on July 25th. The earliest anyone can mary is 24 hours after the license is issued (though I believe an exception to this rule may have been passed this session for military persons who are being shipped out, or something like that, but not sure if that went through.)

I wouldn't be surprised if some larger municipalities have their clerk's office open on Sunday July 24. I've been told that NYC is expecting to ask for alot of overtime workers to deal with what the feel will be a considerable number of applications!

If I get word that anything changes, I'll let you know!

great update...thanks!

 

[Saxton]

I hope you don't mind me intruding, but I wanted to tell you about someone who, in my mind, is a hero, but is not someone you know. And to let me brag for a minute about someone who would never do it for himself and would probably be embarassed that I'm doing it.

In over thanksgiving in 1998, I married a wonderful man (I'm a hetero female) who I knew was sensitive, kind and wanted justice for all. About one month later, he was hired as counsel to a man who was just elected NYS Senator - Thomas Duane, who happened to be the only openly gay, HIV positive legislator in NYS at the time. My husband started working for him in January 1999. From the start, one of the Senator's key, if not main, issues was Marriage Equality. My husband assisted Senator Duane (who is one of the sweetest men I have ever met) in this fight, along with the fight for SONDA (yeah!), Dignity for all students Act last year, which my husband helped draft and we have a copy of it with Governor Paterson's official pen framed on our dining room wall), Marriage Equality and of course he is helping the Senator still fight for the passage GENDA.

The past few years, and especially the past few weeks, have been very stressful for him, working behind the scenes, as is his job. Many nights my son and I didn't see him as he got in at 2 am, left by 7 am to work. I was so proud of him working on this important issue.

And then Friday night happened. I, like many of you, watched it from home, minute by minute, with bated breath. It was amazing! I was (and am) so proud to be a New Yorker! And I was so proud of my husband for helping Senator Duane do an amazing thing. And I was so impressed with Governor Cuomo and how amazing he was througout this process. And impressed with the courage of those who came forward and voted with their conscience - Republican and Democrats alike. And I was so honored to know someone, let alone be MARRIED TO (and understanding the irony) someone who helped Senator Duane in the process, was in the Senate chamber during the historic vote and was really a quiet/small part of history. And I'm so happy that our three year old son will think that marriage for all is normal (as it should be) bc that is what he will now grow up with.

And then - the Senator asked us to walk with him and his partner Louis in the NYC Pride Parade. We came down from Albany early Sunday in the morning to do so. I can honestly say that, after marrying my husband and giving birth to our son, this was one of the top five emotionally inspiring things I have ever done in my life. The people were wonderful - I have never seen anything like it in my life! The gratitude and thanks from the spectators was amazing. And the Senator kindly took my husband (who had our son on his shoulders) to walk right next to him and his partner during the parade to show his appreciation. I got wonderful pictures of it which I will treasure always. I was choked up during most of the parade with happiness, with pride for all who worked so hard on the issue and just trying to grasp the magnitude of what I was experiencing. I still feel it today.

So thanks for listening to this long drawn out piece to tell you a little about one man who played a small part, who helped in the best way he could, and who no one will really know. And that's okay, bc it's how he really wants it (except for me being a boastful wife!)

Tell your husband how much we appreciate all his work. There are so many people who quietly help us without any public recognition. And thank you too for being so supportive!

Honestly I was shocked, I really didn't think it would pass this time. But now that it has I don't think we'll ever go back. And I have to give kudos to Senator Grisanti, he's from my area (but not my district) and he admitted how much he struggled with the issue but he didn't just take the typical knee jerk reaction and vote against it, instead, he did research and after doing so he said he could find no reason to deny us the right to marry. He also said that he probably committed political suicide so I would like to see our community support him as he supported us.

 

[pixie dust 112]

Tell your husband how much we appreciate all his work. There are so many people who quietly help us without any public recognition. And thank you too for being so supportive!

Honestly I was shocked, I really didn't think it would pass this time. But now that it has I don't think we'll ever go back. And I have to give kudos to Senator Grisanti, he's from my area (but not my district) and he admitted how much he struggled with the issue but he didn't just take the typical knee jerk reaction and vote against it, instead, he did research and after doing so he said he could find no reason to deny us the right to marry. He also said that he probably committed political suicide so I would like to see our community support him as he supported us.

I watched the vote on the Senate live stream as it was happening and found both Senator Duane's and Senator Grisanti's word to be very moving, coming from 2 very opposite initial positions on the issue!

 

[Rustysmom]

I'm so happy this bill passed. My cousin's partner worked very hard for it. I hope they have a big 'ol wedding. Can't wait! They deserve it.

Now all we need is for original birth certificates to be unsealed in NY and I'll be a very happy camper.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I'm so happy this bill passed. My cousin's partner worked very hard for it. I hope they have a big 'ol wedding. Can't wait! They deserve it.

Now all we need is for original birth certificates to be unsealed in NY and I'll be a very happy camper.

VERY pleased with the results in NY!

Would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see original birth certificates unsealed in TX, but I don't think anyone is even working on it. Years ago there was a grassroots group trying to lobby for it, but I think they gave up.

 

[Targsmom]

Speaking of Birth Certificates, we had a minor panic attack since you need them to get a marriage license.

My partner was born in Illinois (no idea what city) and then was moved to Florida as a kid and has NO idea what names are on her BC because her mom was unwed and never told her what her biological fathers name was... then her mom married her stepfather (who her brother thinks is her biological father) and adopted her. Her mother's family has a bit of a sordid history and I wouldnt' be surprised if her biological father was rolled up in someones rug in an attic.

Mom has since had a stroke and Dad has dementia.. and we were sure that they would have lost her BC by now (I have mine.. she never was given hers which mades me think there was something funky on it)

At any rate, her brother called and said he found it.. I cannot WAIT to see what it says.

Can you get BC's changed? Her mom married her step dad when she was 5.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Speaking of Birth Certificates, we had a minor panic attack since you need them to get a marriage license.

My partner was born in Illinois (no idea what city) and then was moved to Florida as a kid and has NO idea what names are on her BC because her mom was unwed and never told her what her biological fathers name was... then her mom married her stepfather (who her brother thinks is her biological father) and adopted her. Her mother's family has a bit of a sordid history and I wouldnt' be surprised if her biological father was rolled up in someones rug in an attic.

Mom has since had a stroke and Dad has dementia.. and we were sure that they would have lost her BC by now (I have mine.. she never was given hers which mades me think there was something funky on it)

At any rate, her brother called and said he found it.. I cannot WAIT to see what it says.

Can you get BC's changed? Her mom married her step dad when she was 5.

In the state of TX when a child is adopted the BC is changed to reflect the adoptive parents' info. Which is horrid, when you really think about it. DH is adopted. His birth mother's name was on some other documents we found, but no idea who his birth father is. His adoptive parents never told him he was adopted - he ran across the papers after his adoptive mom died. Big mess.

I can't imagine they would amend a BC to reflect a single parent adoption, but they might. I never would have imagined they would alter a BC to have the adoptive parents' names in ANY circumstance, but OBVIOUSLY they do!