May 27, 2009 5:58 am US/Eastern
Same-Sex Marriage Advocates Rally In NYC
In Response To California High Court Decision, Lawmakers Lead March Through Streets Of Manhattan
By KATHRYN BROWN, CBS 2 HD News
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
New York state lawmakers are poised to make a decision on same-sex marriage legislation in the next month.
Demonstrators converged on Union Square on Tuesday night to voice their support. And they were an angry bunch -- fueled by Tuesday's California court decision.
The California Supreme Court upheld a voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage Tuesday, but it also decided that the estimated 18,000 gay couples who tied the knot before the law took effect will stay wed. Demonstrators outside the court yelled "shame on you!" Gay rights activists immediately promised to resume their fight, saying they would go back to voters as early as next year in a bid to repeal the ban.
The 6-1 decision written by Chief Justice Ron George rejected an argument by gay rights activists that the ban revised the California Constitution's equal protection clause to such a dramatic degree that it first needed the Legislature's approval.
In reaction, more than a thousand people marched from Sheridan Square to Union Square in NYC to rally support for same-sex marriage. Activists, politicians and religious leaders slammed the court's decision.
"Those who use anti-gay rhetoric in religion are practicing religious bigotry!" said Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum.
"That's why this shouldn't be a decision for the courts. It should be a decision where legislators stand up!" NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn added.
A bill to legalize same-sex marriage in New York recently passed the state Assembly but faces heavy opposition in the Senate.
"I think it has a shot in the sense that people who are running the country are divided on it," said Jim Mott of Queens.
"There's no doubt in my mind that it will pass. Like a politician said it's a human rights issue so it's a no brainer," added Sadie Sullivan of Brooklyn.
The decision in California only adds fuel to the fight for same-sex marriage here in New York.
"I think we're seeing a great momentum in our favor and I think we're gonna try and capitalize on that here in New York," said Corey Johnson of Marriage Equality.
They have 24 days to convince lawmakers to pass the bill before the legislative session comes to a close.
A nationwide march on Washington D.C. is planned for Columbus Day.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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