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Rule of One 6/12/2008 While the California State Supreme Court was dropping the bombshell of an announcement that "same-sex marriage" would now be the law of the land - despite the will of the people - things were brewing on the other side of the country, where New York Governor David Paterson ordered state agencies, in light of that California decision, to recognize "same-sex marriages" and civil unions issued by other states and countries in which they are legal.
Paterson's directive followed the same pattern seen in the California decision by showing brazen disregard for the authority of the New York State Legislature and the will of the people of New York. Having only recently replaced scandalized Eliot Spitzer in the gubernatorial seat, Paterson apparently felt the need to make waves of his own.
Public outcry over Governor Paterson's decree has been nothing short of deafening. Pro-family organizations all across the nation are speaking out in defense of traditional marriage. Matt Barber, Policy Director for Cultural Issues with Concerned Women for America (CWA), said, "The marriage chaos has begun. On the wings of supreme judicial activism in California, we're entering into an era of lawlessness and elitist rule by the very few over the many, the likes of which we've rarely seen in this nation. The people must take back this great Republic."
Many state and national lawmakers rightfully question the legality of Governor Paterson's directive, since it contradicts the current New York State Domestic Relations Law. "Same-sex marriages" and civil unions are not legal in the state of New York, nor is there any standing legislation which would allow for these unions to be recognized by the state. Legal counsel for the Governor's Office claims that a recent appellate court ruling, and the absence of legislation that specifically forbids such unions from being recognized, supports the directive.
Stephen P. Hayford, a spokesman for the Coalition to Save Marriage in New York, states, "Governor Paterson has taken a huge step backward. … At a time when he ought to be building consensus and restoring the confidence of the public, he has chosen to take a divisive position and to override our State Legislature, which has not legalized same-sex marriage. The flawed decision recently issued by the Appellate Division, Fourth Department - which may yet be reversed on appeal - is a flimsy justification for the governor's action."
State Director of CWA of New York Anne F. Downey, Esq., states that "just as the California Supreme Court recently forced its views of same-sex 'marriage' upon the voters of that state, now New York's governor has forced his very liberal views about same-sex 'marriage' on New Yorkers. One man's extreme views have now trumped the will of the people. We urge the Legislature to rein in the governor's efforts to make an end run around the legislative process. Marriage is a fundamental institution and should not be redefined at the whim of one person."
Efforts to fight Governor Paterson's directive and similar anti-traditional marriage activities are being mobilized. The Alliance Defense Fund has filed a lawsuit in New York to challenge the directive and, in a recent press release, the Coalition to Save Marriage in New York states that they also are considering legal action to block the governor's directive.
Barber summed up the feeling of millions of Americans, saying, "'We the people' are not left without recourse. Politicians and judicial activists across the country need to be reined in and made to understand that they will not be allowed to disregard the will of the people and the rule of law and create newfangled 'constitutional rights' out of thin-air."
To get involved in CWA of New York, go to newyork.cwfa.org or e-mail director@ny.cwfa.org. If you would like to get involved with one of our other fine state organizations, please visit the CWA in the States site. |
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Concerned Women for America 1015 Fifteenth St. N.W., Suite 1100 Washington, D.C. 20005 Phone: (202) 488-7000 Fax: (202) 488-0806 |
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