At 11:55 p.m. on June 24, New York Gov.
Andrew Cuomo signed the Marriage Equality Act into law just over an hour after
it was passed by the New York Senate. Once a 30-day waiting period passes, the
state will join Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Iowa and
the District of Columbia in allowing same-sex marriage.
The Party for Socialism and Liberation
congratulates the countless activists who worked tirelessly to achieve this
victory. The Senate persistently delayed the vote on the bill, which was passed
June 15 by the Assembly. Day after day, supporters of marriage equality
remained vigilant, visible and vocal in the Albany State House, making it clear
that the LGBT community and its allies would not give up. This was the culmination
of a major statewide campaign waged for years by activists and organizations.
The struggle to legalize same-sex
marriage in New York was seen as critical by both supporters and opponents of
LGBT rights. New York is the third most populous state in the country. When
same-sex marriage becomes legal there, the number of people who live in a state
where same-sex marriage is legal will more than double. The victory in New York
will give great momentum for the struggle for same-sex marriage rights, as well
as full federal equality.
This struggle is clearly only just
beginning. In the vast majority of states, same-sex couples cannot marry, and
even in those where they can, the federal Defense of Marriage Act, signed by
Bill Clinton in 1996, prevents them from receiving 1,138 federal rights and benefits
associated with marriage.
While legally recognized
marriage is only one of the rights the LGBT community is
denied, the legalization of same-sex marriage in New York is a significant step and one that will hopefully herald more
victories to come. It is a testament to the decades of struggle by the LGBT
community and its allies in fighting for equal rights and liberation.
The PSL supports all struggles for LGBT
rights on the state and federal level as we fight for a new society where true
liberation can be achieved.
