Is New York next?
The silver lining in the Elliot Spitzer debacle was the swearing in of David Patterson as New York governor. He is the second legally blind governor of any U.S. state, but he is certainly not blind to the issues that face the LGBT community. He unequivocally supports marriage equality, and in May of 2008, he issued a directive for New York to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions. Last month he appointed Kirsten Gillibrand, a strong supporter of same-sex marriage, as Hillary Clinton's replacement in the New York Senate.
While many people believe that New York is on the cusp of fully supporting same-sex marriage, Jamie and I cannot legally marry here. We thought about going to California, but on Election Day, the CA voters approved Proposition 8 which overturned the State Supreme Court's ruling in favor of same-sex marriage. After Prop 8, Massachusetts appeared to be our only hope at a legal marriage; however, we had been told that Massachusetts requires one year of residency in order to apply for a marriage license.
On November 12, 2008, about a week after Proposition 8 was approved in California, Connecticut legalized same-sex marriage. (This exciting news went under the radar, perhaps because of the contentious aftermath of Prop 8 and the national fervor surrounding Obama's victory.) Connecticut does not require residency to apply for a marriage license. The couple simply needs to appear in person at a Town Clerk office, fill out some paper work, pay a small fee, and get a Justice of the Peace to officiate a ceremony in the state.
On Tuesday, Jamie and I will drive to Fairfield, CT, and show our IDs to the Fairfield town clerk. And, on March 28th, we are so fortunate to have CT State Supreme Court Justice, Joette Katz, officiate our marriage at the Southport Beach Harbor. Justice Katz is a friend of the Feldshuhs, and she is unbelievably kind and gracious.
On July 12th, 2009, we will celebrate our marriage in our home state in the presence of friends and family, under the ceremonial leadership of Rabbi Judith Lewis. Be there!
That is the legal framework for our marriage, in a nutshell. We have had Domestic Partnership in New York since September 2007, but it does not give us equal rights when it comes to many important facets of our lives, including hospital visitation rights and tax benefits. We are thrilled that our marriage will be officially recognized in New York, and we look forward to the day -- perhaps in the near future -- when New York takes the lead in this fight for civil rights.
Comments
Aunt Laurie on Feb 19, 2009
Always thinking of you and will be ESPECIALLY thinking of you on 3/28!!!!!!
All our special love,
Aunt Laurie, Lindsay-Sonya & Little Miss Rose
Romaana Zia on Feb 19, 2009
Jamers and Joshie- this is SO exciting and I am absolutely loving the blog! Congratulations on taking one step closer to officially tying the knot! Waiting in eager anticipation for July! xoxox
Deb on Feb 19, 2009
Hey Guys! I miss you both! I just want to let you know that Massachusetts does not have a residency requirement. It was an old 1913 law that was repealed in late 2008 (I believe July or August of 2008). BUT Mass does have a law on its books that says that if you are not a resident of MA and you do not intend to reside in MA after marriage, then it will only be valid if you could legally contract marriage in your home state. Although NY will recognize the marriage, you can't legally get married there yet, so although you could get married in MA the marriage wouldn't be valid. Anyhow, just thought your MA lawyer cousin could provide some insight. The Prop 8 thing pissed me off royally too! Love you guys can't wait to see you!!
Jamie on Feb 19, 2009
Love you Debs! Thanks for the clarification - leave it to a MA Lawyer!
Bryan on Feb 20, 2009
Beth and I can't wait for the wedding and to see you guys in NYC. The website looks really good. My hope is you'll be able to renew your vows in a state like VA sometime soon. See you in a couple months!