New York State Democratic
Reform Caucus
Resolution on
Same-Sex Marriage
WHEREAS, gay and lesbian couples in committed relationships do not presently have the same property, inheritance, and other legal rights that heterosexual married couples acquire when they marry, and
WHEREAS, the Reform Caucus of the Democratic State Committee is on record expressing its support for legislation enabling the rights of lesbian and gay couples to affirm their love and commitment to each other and before their loved ones through same-sex marriage; and
WHEREAS, two years ago, our neighboring state of Vermont passed a statute establishing the status of “Civil Union” for gay and lesbian couples who wish to have the legal rights, and accept the legal burdens and responsibilities, that heterosexual couples acquire when they marry, and
WHEREAS, the Reform Caucus introduced a Resolution at the May 1999 Democratic State Convention calling for adoption of a Civil Union statute in New York State, and
WHEREAS, the Reform Caucus withdrew its Resolution to allow creation of a Party Task Force to consider and advance the issue, and
WHEREAS, the Party Task Force has now proposed a Resolution calling for “legislation and other measures which ensure equal treatment of same-sex relationships and families,”
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, the Reform Caucus of the New York State Democratic Committee endorses and supports the proposed Resolution as an important first step towards establishing equal rights for same-sex couples and families, and it is further
RESOLVED, the Reform Caucus will continue to work towards explicit recognition by the Democratic Party of the need for equal marriage rights for same-sex couples as for heterosexual couples, for New York State to allow same-sex couples to marry under existing state marriage laws, and as a possible interim measure, for the adoption of a Civil Union statute to afford similar legal rights for same-sex couples as for heterosexual couples.
Resolution written and introduced by