Which Coast Are We On Again?

Following close on the heals of California's move to legalize gay marriage, a surprising second step could take place in the slow progression towards marriage equality for all Americans. It seems that New York could soon require that all state agencies recognize gay marriages performed legally elsewhere. Obviously, this does not mean that gay and lesbian couples will be able to marry in the Big Apple, but if they decide to move there after a magical Manhattan honeymoon, their San Fran wedding will carry all the legal and financial benefits of a traditional marriage.

State agencies, including those governing insurance and health care, must immediately change policies and regulations to make sure "spouse," "husband" and "wife" are clearly understood to include gay couples

This is extremely important, as the old argument that Civil Unions were "just as good" as a marriage has been proven as full of holes as the "separate but equal" argument of the 60's, precisely due to legal differences between the two terms.

It is encouraging to see more of the country begin to realize that marriage should be defined by love, not the State. Speaking for myself, I wish all the new couples in California, and perhaps in NY, good luck and all the best. And props to New York Governor David Paterson for his help in winning this important battle for equality in a nation that badly needs it.

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