NYCLU Victory is "One Step Forward" for Marriage Equality and DASA

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This week on Radio Civil Liberties, In response to an NYCLU victory in the case Martinez v. County of Monroe, New York State Governor David Paterson's has directed all state agencies to follow the law and begin to revise their policies and regulations to recognize marriages of same-sex couples performed in other jurisdictions, including Massachusetts, California and Canada.

In our first segment we hear from New York State Governor Paterson as well as NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman

Martinez v. County of Monroe was brought by the NYCLU with cooperating attorney Jeffrey Wicks on behalf of Patricia Martinez. Martinez, an employee of Monroe Community College in Rochester, sought health care benefits for her wife whom she married in Canada in 2004. The case was filed in 2005 in State Supreme Court.

In February of this year, an appellate court unanimously affirmed the couple's marriage the first appellate court decision in the state and the first known decision in the country to hold that a valid same-sex marriage must be recognized. Monroe County then requested that the state's highest court review and overrule the Fourth Department's decision.

There is much more | Here | The Frequently Asked Questions are Here |

Click |Here| if you would like to tell us why you're thinking of getting married

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It is essential that we let the Governor know that we support his actions and the rule of law! Governor Paterson's Office is conducting a phone poll, Take a second to call 1-518-474-8390 And say: "I support the Governor's directive on marriage," then give them your 5 digit zip code. Let him know that you support fairness and equality for all New Yorkers! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In our second segment this week, we hear from "Tony" a student that joined the NYCLU, the Empire State Pride Agenda along with hundreds of students in Albany this spring for Equality and Justice Day.Tony speaks to us about the need for Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). This New York State bill would prohibit harassment and discrimination against all students in public schools. DASA protects against harassment based on actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex.

DASA mandates that teachers and staff receive the training they need to properly address issues of harassment and discrimination, and requires the monitoring and reporting of such incidents. This bill will make schools safer for all students.

Following up Tony's interview, we listen as Renee, a student in Queens, NY talks about how the Dignity In All Schools Act can help students feel safe in school, both physically and in their freedom to speak about the things that matter to them.