Source: Advocate, New York Daily News
In accepting his New York Leadership Award from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force on Monday night, newly installed governor David Paterson announced that he would continue to push for full marriage equality for LGBT New Yorkers, according to a Task Force press release.
Paterson was given the award ""for his unequivocal advocacy for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) New Yorkers," according to a press release.
Paterson also said in a video-taped address to the banquet that he favors legislation that would deter bullying in schools, promote transgender rights, and extend affordable health care to all residents.
Recalling how the Assembly passed gay marriage last year for the first time, Paterson said that while he lobbied for that vote, he came to the realization that while marriage equality in New York "may not come just this moment...it is no longer an issue mostly for conviction, it is an issue for courage."
"We will push on an bring full marriage equality in New York State," Paterson said. "And when we have done that, we're going to do more."
"We're going to protect young people from bullies. We're going to protect against the discrimination of people in the transgender community, and we're going to fight for decent and affordable healthcare for all citizens in this state."
"If you will join with me, and if we work hard enough, we can change the face of New York, which will be the catalyst to changing national policy."
Paterson spoke to the banquet via video [clip at bottom of this post] because, he joked, "I'm being held hostage in the dysfunctional Albany." Paterson has been engaged in marathon budget negotiations with legislative leaders in the state capital.
He praised outgoing NGLTF executive director Matt Foreman, calling him "one of the treasures of the progressive movement in New York."
On the video, he told the crowd he was "proud to have run on a ticket that advocated for marriage equality and to win on that premise."
Paterson also acknowledged the 40th anniversary of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.'s death, remembering him as someone who would "go beyond the issues of his neighborhood," adding, "New York’s civil rights leaders have to recognize that the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities deserve equal rights as well."
Full article: Paterson Pledges Support for Marriage Equality | Advocate
Paterson Seeks Escape From 'Dysfunctional Albany,' Pledges Support For Gay Marriage In LGBT Video | NY Daily News "Daily Politics" blog