National Organization for Women-NYS Applauds Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell

For Introducing Equal Marriage Legislation

ALBANY, NY (05/25/2007)(readMedia)-- “Today, our hopes are high that all New York State citizens may soon choose marriage as their path. We applaud Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell for introducing the Governor’s equal marriage legislation. This legislation is long overdue,” said Marcia A. Pappas, President of NOW New York State.

The struggle for equal marriage rights is a feminist issue. Women will not achieve full equality until every woman can pursue her dreams free from discrimination. The National Organization made its support for same-sex marriage official in 1995, declaring that the choice of marriage is a fundamental constitutional right under the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment that should not be denied because of a person's sexual orientation.

Feminism is rooted in freedom, independence and love. Any lesbian woman should be able to marry her partner and be entitled to the same rights as her heterosexual sisters.

The right wing is tells women they have to marry a man in order to get married—holding relationships of women with men on a pedestal. Not allowing women to marry other women promotes a patriarchal society where a woman's economic security is dependent on her relationships with men.

Feminism is about having choices and opportunities. Women are free to choose a partner and should have the opportunity to marry or not marry their partner regardless of gender.

In 1971 NOW issued its first policy statement recognizing lesbian rights as a feminist issue. The statement acknowledged that a woman's right to independence and self-determination includes the right to define and express her own sexuality and to choose her own lifestyle

The National Organization for Women-New York States mission is to promote equality for women, and that means all women. The human and civil rights of all women are included in this effort. For more than 35 years, NOW has been a leader in the struggle for lesbian rights.

The National Organization for Women- New York State is comprised of 23 local chapters, and over 40,000 contributing members.

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