PAPER 2
Same Sex Marriage
Forty years after Stonewall same sex marriage is now law in New York. On July 24, 2011 the marriage equality Act was passed. What does this mean for traditional marriage?
Marriage, according to the Oxford Dictionary is defined as, “the formal union of a man and a woman, typically recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife. (Oxford Dictionary). For the religious person, the first marriage act was performed in the Garden of Eden. The bible states, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth and subdue it: “(Genesis 1:27-28).
The debate over same sex Marriage has been a prominent issue in our society over many years. In the last few years, with activists and proponents for same sex fighting to be recognized and accepted in the eyes of the law, to have the same rights and benefits provided to a man and woman (in a traditional marriage).The fight has been taken to the ballot, where several ballot were initiatives such as California proposition 8 that made its way to the halls of congress reaching as far as the Presidential Office to the Supreme Court. The idea of allowing two people of the same sex to enter into the institution of marriage has brought strong condemnation from religious groups such as the Evangelicals. New York City would become one of the numbers of states that legalize same sex marriage. Editorials, around the country and other nation’s report the passage of this bill as a powerful economic move by Governor Como and the New York State Legislature. In the June 26, 2011 Editorial of the New York Time it stated, “New York has made a powerful and principled choice by giving all couples the right to wed and enjoy legal rights of marriage. It continued that the act was a proud moment for New Yorkers, thousands of whom took to the streets to celebrate this step forward. Many people are of the opinion that this was an economical decision on the part of the government. While many religious believers feel this is immoral and breaking down of morality in our society. Same sex has become very powerful and demands equality in society. I believe strongly that this has been a turning point for the economy in New York City and that it has brought more people from other states and countries around the world that do not have that law in their country.
The passage of the law in New York State on July 24, 2011, is considered as a major victory for The Gay Rights Movement (New York Times, 2011). For this group Stonewall was beginning of change, the change they fought so hard for. In an article published in AARP Dave Singleton discussed the Stonewall demonstration of 1969, the patrons of the Stonewall Inn who refused to be intimidated by police oppression had no idea they were about to change history (Singleton) Singleton argued that “what began that hot summer night in New York City with a few hundred people ended up galvanizing a global community”. Singleton agreed that although this was not the first rebellion the Stonewall riots were the most famous instance of homosexuals fighting back against government persecution. According to Singleton the riots were not pretty or organized. Stonewall was six night of street mêlée’s with some of the least empowered elements of society – the closeted fearful and disenfranchised. On July 28, 1969 when homosexuals fought back against government prosecution, the fight that began on the streets of New York City, and continued in every city, suburb and rural township in America, as well as countries around the world. To some extent the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender ( LGBT) movement has gained mainstream support for and understanding of coming out fighting AIDS and civil unions if not marriage” (AARP 2009). Advocacy and lobbying groups mushroomed after stonewall and now includes everything from nonprofit groups mounting anti discrimination advertising campaigns to political action committee to housing and health related initiatives. (NY Times 2009).
According to an article from the NY times in 2006 the New York Court of appeals ruled that New York State constitution does not require same sex marriage right and left the question of recognition to the legislature. Following the 2006 court decision the New York State Assembly passed same sex marriage legislation in 2007, 2009 and 2011. In 2011 the bill would gain passage through the NY legislature and Governor Como would sign it into law. The passage of this bill would be an economic windfall for New York City.
According to the Huffington Post in their article published 07/24/2012. The author suggested that one year after New York passed the historic Marriage Equality Act; granting same sex couples the right to marry a report revealed that the law has generated $259 million in economic impact in New York City alone. Mayor Bloomberg said in a statement that Marriage Equality has made the City more open, inclusive and free; it has also helped to create jobs and support the economy. Included in the $259 million figure is revenue stemming from marriage license application money spent by out of city guests on hotel rooms and the wedding industry at large. (Huffington Post).
According to CNNMoney since gay marriage was legalized in New York State a year ago, marriage license fees, local celebrations and wedding related purchases have boosted New York City economy. CNN reported that “since its passage more than 8,200 same –sex marriage licenses have been issued in the past year, representing more than 10% of the 75,000 licenses issued in the city according to a survey conducted by City Clerk’s office and NYC & Company the city’s tourism and marketing organization. The city collected $16 million in tax revenue from same sex marriages over the past year. Weddings brought the biggest economic boost to the city with 67% of same-sex couples who got married in the city holding wedding receptions at venues like hotels, restaurants and catering halls throughout New York City.
According to Bloomberg News, New York became the sixth and most recent state to legalize same sex marriage a year ago. More than 200,000 guest have since travelled from outside the city to attend same sex wedding receptions and more than 235,000 hotel room nights were booked at an average daily rate of $275.00
In their article the New York Times article, Gay marriage: “It is a proud moment for New Yorkers thousands of whom took to the streets on Sunday to celebrate this step forward. But this moment does not erase the bigotry against gays and lesbians enshrined in the federal defense of marriage act. This act denies federal recognition of same-sex marriages and allows any state to refuse to recognize another state’s union” (NY Times). Although; this is a great accomplishment for Gays and Lesbians the fight is not over, Social Security a Federal benefit is not granted to spouses of same sex marriages. It is my opinion that this is an injustice, both homosexual and heterosexual Americans have paid into this benefit plan and should reap the rewards. For homosexual New Yorker passing this bill was a step forward that brought about changes to many lives of its citizenry. Creating benefits for partners who seek insurance coverage for their loved ones, death benefits and other legal issues is still to this day a work in progress, but shall also be accomplished with the endurance and diligence of this strong community.
References
1. Ellis, B. (2012, July 24) Gay marriage boosts NYC’s economy by $25 million in first year.
CNNMoney.
2. Singleton, D. (2009). Seven Years Old In 1969: What The Stonewall Demonstrations Mean To Me
AARP.
3. Gay Marriage: A Milestone. (2011. June 27) New York Times.
4. Gay Marriage Bill Passes In New York; Governor Cumo Signs Same Sex Marriage Bill Into Law.
Retrieved June 16, 2013 from
www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/24gay-marriage-legalized-new-york_n_884434.htm