Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Chance of Marriage? Proposal in Assembly

The prospects of same-sex marriage in New York just got real this week, as Democratic Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell introduced Assembly bill 7600, which "relates to individuals ability to marry."
This is the same bill that he introduced last session and passed his chamber with 89 votes, before failing in the Senate by a vote of 38 to 24.
If adopted into law the proposal would amend the domestic relations law to allow same-sex couples the same opportunity to enter into civil marriages as opposite-sex couples. Additionally, it ensures that no member of the clergy can be compelled to perform any marriage ceremonies.
This measure comes on the heels of a report from the IDC, which laid out the economic case for same-sex marriage. Their summary was:
Recognizing marriage between same sex partners in New York State would create $310,567,652 in increased revenue and economic activity during the next three years, with potential savings of $80,848,457.