Make your 2009 tax-deductible gift: 24 hours left to double your gift

Please SUPPORT MENY

You still have 24 hours to make your 2009 tax-deductible gift go twice as far in the effort to help gain equal rights in New York State.

Please remember that an anonymous friend of MENY will match your gift, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000 if made by December 31st.

Act now and your donation of $25 will become $50, your gift of $50 will become $100.

Time is almost up! Don't miss this chance to make a gift that will have twice the impact. If we meet this matching challenge, today's community will be that much closer to gaining gender neutral civil marriage and standing in equality.

Please make your gift go twice as far by responding today.

Best of wishes,
The volunteer staff, the Board of Directors,

Cathy Marino-Thomas, Board President &
Ron Zacchi, Executive Director

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR and we look forward to seeing you in 2010!

This month our general meeting is on Jan. 6th & it will be about volunteering in 2010! (click for full calendar).

Our meetings are always on the first Wed. of every month at the LGBT Center 208 W. 13th St. from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

Also, MENY's Marriage Equality Day in Albany is Feb 9, 2010- please register today!

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Divorce, Republican Style

Karl Rove, the top political advisor to former President George W. Bush, has divorced his wife of 24 years under Texas's "no-fault" divorce law. You may remember Rove from his eloquent words in support of "traditional marriage" and his tireless efforts to place same-sex marriage bans on the ballots in several states during the 2004 election. Glenn Greenwald has some choice words regarding Rove's latest bit of hypocrisy.

Dear Hiram, Thanks for the Lump of Coal

Via Towleroad, State Senator Hiram Monserrate had some unexpected guests at his Christmas party when activists from The Power showed up to protest the senator's vote against the marriage equality bill that was defeated in the Senate earlier this month. The activists were removed from the event over taunts of "wife-beater."

Monserrate was one of eight Democrats who voted against the bill, after he had indicated in an Empire State Pride Agenda survey that he supported it. Monserrate was acquitted in October of felony assault for allegedly slashing his girlfriend's face with a broken glass; he was convicted of a misdemeanor assault charge for dragging his girlfriend from their apartment.

MENY Wishes for a Happy Holiday!

An angel donor has offered to match dollar for dollar

anything raised before December 31, 2009!

That means $5 becomes $10 for the cause!

Please SUPPORT MENY before the end of 2009

A Holiday Message from MENY's Board President, Cathy Marino-Thomas: "I'd like to take a minute to reflect on the last year and to urge you not to lose heart. While it's true that we have a lot of work to do in 2010, we have made progress!" read more...

A 2009 Report from MENY's Executive Director, Ron "Equality" Zacchi: "In 2009, MENY ran several campaigns that have been successful thanks to all of our supporters. We need your support to continue the work needed in New York State for our state level rights. We also will need to continue this movement to a national level for our federal rights." read more...

We are thankful for the many ways you, our members, support the marriage equality movement! We are hopeful that you will consider CONTRIBUTING to MENY for your end of the year charitable contributions.

This month our general meeting is on Jan. 6th & it will be about volunteering in 2010! (click for full calendar). Our meetings are always on the first Wed. of every month at the LGBT Center 208 W. 13th St. from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.

Also, MENY's Marriage Equality Day in Albany is Feb 9, 2010 click here for more info & Please Register Today!

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR and we look forward to seeing you in 2010!

On the March in Queens

LGBT-rights activists braved the snowy streets over the weekend to protest two state senators from Queens whose "no" votes helped defeat the marriage equality bill earlier this month (YourNabe.com). Marriage equality supporters marched on Senator Hiram Monserrate’s office in East Elmhurst on Saturday and Senator George Onorato’s office Sunday. Both men are Democrats. Monserrate had previously indicated that he would support the bill in an Empire State Pride Agenda survey.

Find out how you can get involved with Western Queens for Marriage Equality, which helped organize the weekend's marches.

D.C. Council Gives Final Passage to Same-Sex Marriage Bill

Wonderful news from HRC: the DC Marriage Bill has passed and is now onto the Mayor. Press release below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 15, 2009

D.C. Council Gives Final Passage to Same-Sex Marriage Bill

Mayor Fenty Says He Will Sign; Pending Conclusion of Congressional Review Period,

Washington, D.C. Would Join Five States in Recognizing Marriage Equality

WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, applauded the Washington, D.C. Council’s overwhelming vote today for final passage of legislation recognizing same-sex marriage.

“Today’s vote is a victory for all D.C. residents, whose relationships will soon be treated equally and fairly in the eyes of the law,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “This legislation is an important and historic step towards equal dignity, equal respect and equal rights for same-sex couples here in our nation’s capital, which also preserves the right of clergy and congregations to adhere to their faiths. The legislation the Council passed today reinforces the legal equality and religious freedoms to which all D.C. residents are entitled.”

“Congratulations to the D.C. Council – particularly Councilmember David Catania who spearheaded this bill - Mayor Fenty and the many advocates of equality in our community who have worked so hard for, and will vigorously fight to protect marriage equality in D.C. We look forward to the Mayor’s signature and the day not too far off when same-sex couples in D.C. will be able to enjoy all the rights and responsibilities of civil marriage,” added Solmonese.

The D.C. Council voted today 11 to 2 to give final approval to the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009. The vote recognizing same-sex marriage was the second in two weeks for the Council, which approved the bill in an initial vote on December 1, 2009 by the same margin. Since last July, D.C. law has recognized marriages by same-sex couples from other jurisdictions, including foreign countries. The new legislation would permit same-sex couples to marry in D.C. itself while ensuring that clergy and religious organizations would not be required to provide services, accommodations, facilities or goods for the solemnization of a same-sex marriage.

The legislation now goes to the desk of Mayor Fenty, who has said he will sign it. The law would take effect at the conclusion of the Congressional review period, which lasts for 30 legislative days following the Mayor’s signature.

Opponents of marriage equality have attempted to overturn the legislation by proposing a ballot initiative to define marriage as between a man and a woman. The D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics ruled last month that the proposed initiative would violate the D.C. Human Rights Act and therefore was not a proper subject matter for the referendum process under D.C. law. Opponents have sued in D.C. Superior Court despite the fact that last June, a Superior Court judge ruled that a similar proposed referendum prohibiting recognition of marriages by same-sex couples performed in other jurisdictions would violate the D.C. Human Rights Act and therefore was ineligible for the ballot.


At this time, five states recognize marriage for same-sex couples under state law: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont and New Hampshire (effective January 1, 2010). New York recognizes marriages by same-sex couples legally entered into in another jurisdiction. Five states—California, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada—plus D.C. provide same-sex couples with access to the state level benefits and responsibilities of marriage, through either civil unions or domestic partnerships.


Hawaii, Colorado, Maine, Maryland and Wisconsin provide same-sex couples with limited rights and benefits. California recognized marriage by same-sex couples between June and November of 2008, before a slim majority of voters approved Proposition 8, which purports to amend the state constitution to prohibit marriage equality. Couples married during that window remain married under California law, but all other same-sex couples can only receive a domestic partnership within the state. The state will recognize out of state same-sex marriages that occurred before November 5, 2008 as marriages and those that occurred on or after November 5, 2008 as domestic partnerships. The Prop. 8 vote has been challenged in federal court; a decision is not expected any time soon.

Same-sex couples do not receive federal rights and responsibilities anywhere in the United States. To learn more about state by state legislation, visit: www.hrc.org/state_laws.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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Marriage Equality Day- Feb 9, 2010

They voted and shot down marriage equality in 2009.

Now in 2010, we must travel to Albany to speak with our legislators on this important issue so when it comes up again we will have moved senators to support us on this issue. Also, don't forget that even if you legislator was supportive, there will be things for you to do in Albany.

Register Now, please don't wait: http://www.meny.us/med.php
Registering NOW helps us plan buses effectively and guarantees your spot in Albany!

Cost:
The cost including buses and lunch is $35.00 per registrant,
if you do not need transportation to Albany than the cost is $10.00 per registrant.

WE KNOW HOW THEY VOTED, so we are traveling to Albany to speak with our senators on why Marriage Equality is important to us. We will educate the senators on what our community is denied by not allowing us to participate in civil marriages in New York State. On the bus rides up and during our working lunch we will review some key points that will support you in your discussion. We will also have a District Community Organizer on hand in Albany to answer questions specific to your senator. Thank you for your participation and if you have any questions, comments, or concerns please email info@meny.us.

Location: Albany Legislative/Capital Buildings for meetings
Host Location is TBA (either in legislative complex or local hotel)

Time: Buses will be leaving from NYC at approximately 6am and Buffalo at approximately 4:30am (more locations as we get people registered). We will arrive in Albany approximately at 10am. We will look to be leaving Albany by no later than 5pm. This is a tentative schedule and is subject to change, we will release all final information the week before the event.

A Step Forward in Trenton

The Judiciary Committee of the New Jersey State Senate, after a lengthy debate yesterday, voted 7-6 to approve a bill to extend marriage equality to same-sex couples (New York Times). A vote by the full Senate, where passage is far from certain, is expected to take place on Thursday. If the bill passes, it would require passage by the Assembly before being submitted for final approval by the governor. Governor Jon Corzine has promised to sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

Although New Jersey law currently permits civil unions, the law does not not provide the same protections as a civil marriage. If all goes well, LGBT people in New Jersey will be getting a big piece of equality in their stockings this Christmas.

Visit Garden State Equality's website to find out how you can help. If you know anyone who lives in New Jersey, ask them to contact their representatives and tell them to vote yes.

All Eyes On New Jersey

Supporters of marriage equality are flooding the New Jersey Statehouse today in anticipation of the Senate Judiciary Committee's hearing on a bill to extend equal marriage rights to same-sex couples (NJ.com). If the committee approves bill, it could receive a full Senate vote on Thursday. The Assembly would also have to act on the measure before being submitted for the governor's signature.

Here's hoping New Jerseyans can celebrate full equality this holiday season.

Next Stop New Jersey

After earlier indications that the momentum for a marriage equality vote in New Jersey was diminishing, it now appears that the State Senate will vote on a bill extending equal marriage rights to same-sex couples next week (NJ.com). The Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider the measure on Monday, and Senate President Richard Codey has confirmed that a vote would be held by the full Senate on Thursday.

Governor Jon Corzine has promised to sign the bill if it reaches his desk, which would make New Jersey the sixth state to extend full marriage equality to all of its citizens. Both houses of the legislature would have to approve the bill before it can be submitted for the governor's signature.

Visit Garden State Equality's website to find out how you can help. If you know anyone who lives in New Jersey, ask them to contact their elected representatives and ask them to support the bill.

Time to Rally

The New York State Senate voted today to deny same-sex couples their equal marriage rights. It's time to vent.

Join Marriage Equality New York for a rally in Union Square tomorrow, December 3 at 6:00 PM. The rally will be held on the north end of the park (17th St.). Let's show that marriage equality will happen in our country and soon! We will not let the state senate vote diminish our hopes for our civil rights. Follow news and planning about the rally at http://www.meny.us/ under calendar.

Also, join Civil Rights Front at the Times Square Marriage Equality Rally tonight at 6:00 PM. Gather at the TKTS steps in Times Square. Visit the event's Facebook page for more details and to RSVP.

New York State Senate's Vote Denying Marriage Equality

Media Contacts: Ron Zacchi, Executive Director- MENY, 646-660-1906, info@meny.us
Cathy Marino-Thomas, Board President - MENY, 516-302-5198, cathy@meny.us

New York, NY: Wednesday, December 2, 2009 in the afternoon, The New York State Senate voted 24 to 38 against marriage equality for all families in New York State.

“Today equality was denied to New York State families. The State Senate voted against equal civil marriage and turned its back on civil rights,” said Ron Zacchi, Marriage Equality NY (MENY) Executive Director. “This day will go down in history as the day the New York State Senators decided to be on the wrong side of history by denying an entire community the ability to protect its families!”

Cathy Marino-Thomas, MENY Board President, says “Marriage Equality New York has been working for over 12 years to bring about gender neutral marriage equality in New York State. We have seen bills sit in the chambers for many years, but in the recent past we have seen governors who support our efforts and our Assembly pass the legislation twice. We are deeply disappointed that our State Senate has made the wrong move for families throughout the state of New York. We look forward to the day when equal rights are the law of our great nation from coast to coast.”

Marriage Equality New York invites the community to a rally in protest of the New York State Senate's move away from equality.
When: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 6:00-7:00pm
Where: Union Square North

Please join us to rally for our community's future!

Marriage Equality New York is an all inclusive organization whose mission is to secure the right of all LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender, Queer) couples to enter into legally recognized Civil Marriage with all the benefits and responsibilities that entails through education and promotion of awareness.

For more information go to http://www.meny.us.

Marriage Vote Today!!!

The New York State Senate has scheduled a vote on S.66003, which would extend equal marriage to all New Yorkers regardless of gender (New York Times).

Watch the debate live.

It's not too late to make a difference. Call these 17 undecided senators and tell them that not having equal access to civil marriage is discriminating and demeaning. The rights, responsibilities, and privileges of marriage are important to our community and to our families.

Joseph Addabbo, D-Queens- in-district office: 718-738-1111
James Alesi, R-East Rochester- in-district office: (585) 223-1800
John Bonacic, R-Mt. Hope- in-district office: (845) 344 3311
Brian Foley, D-Suffolk- in-district office: 631-360-3356
Charles Fuschillo, R-Nassau/Suffolk- in-district office: 516-882-0630
Kemp Hannon, R-Nassau- in-district office: 516.739.1700
Ruth Hassell-Thompson, D-Bronx/Westchester- in-district office: (718) 547-8854
Owen Johnson, R-Suffolk- in-district office: (631) 669-9200
Carl Kruger, D-Brooklyn [was "No" in June]- in-district office: (718) 743-8610
Vincent Leibell, R-Westchester- in-district office: (845) 279-3773
Roy McDonald, R-Saratoga- in-district office: (518) 274-4616
Hiram Monserrate, D-Queens- in-district office: (718) 205-3881
Thomas Morahan, R-Rockland- in-district office: (845) 425-1818
Michael Nozzolio, R-Seneca Falls- in-district office: (315) 568-9816
Joseph Robach, R-Rochester- in-district office: (585) 225-3650
Stephen Saland, R-Poughkeepsie- in-district office: 845-463-0840
David Valesky, D-Oneida- in-district office: 315-478-8745

Progress in D.C., Procrastination in New Jersey

NBC News reports that the District of Columbia City Council has voted 11-2 in favor of marriage equality. This is the first of two votes on the issue, with the final vote expected to take place later this month. Mayor Adrian Fenty has said he will sign the bill. Although the law would be subject to congressional review before taking effect, Congress is not expected to alter the law.

Meanwhile, in New Jersey, the State Legislature is backing off of earlier indications that they would pass a marriage equality bill before the end of the year. Tom Moran describes in the Star-Ledger how Democratic supporters of the bill have been defecting in the wake of Governor Jon Corzine's defeat in his run for re-election last month. Corzine had pledged to sign a marriage equality into law if it reached his desk, regardless of the outcome of the election.