This week on Radio Civil Liberties: April 18, 2009

This week on Radio Civil Liberties, we feature exclusive audio from the new video "Another New Yorker for the Reproductive Health Act" put together by the Reproductive rights Project of the NYCLU.

Here in 2009, most New Yorkers would find it shocking to learn that family planning and abortion are still treated as crimes in our statute books. The Reproductive Health Act takes abortion out of the penal code, and regulates it as a matter of public health and medical practice. Doctors should not have to fear prosecution because of the type of medicine they practice.

As a result, the NYCLU and its allies are string proponents and advocates of legislation that will:

* Guarantees a woman’s right to control her reproductive health; * Ensures that a woman will be able to have an abortion if her health is endangered; * Treats the regulation of abortion as an issue of public health and medical practice, rather than as a potential crime; and * Guarantees everyone the right to use or refuse contraception.

Learn More Here,

Do Something: Click Here to Contact Your Legislators (One Click to Action!)

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In our second segment this week we focus on Marriage Equality for All New Yorkers.

In 2007, a same-sex marriage bill passed in the State Assembly by a vote of 85-61. Every single Assemblymember who voted for marriage — Democrat and Republican — won reelection last November.

In 2008, the NYCLU achieved a landmark legal victory when a state appellate court unanimously ruled in Martinez v. County of Monroe that New York State must recognize the valid out-of-state marriages of lesbian and gay couples. Following that victory, Paterson directed all state agencies to follow the law and revise their policies to recognize marriages of same-sex couples performed in other jurisdictions.

This year, we stand on the verge of an historic milestone for equality in America. The NYCLU has applauded Governor Paterson’s leadership in introducing legislation to make marriage between lesbian and gay New Yorkers legal in New York State, and are calling on state legislators to quickly pass the bill.

“Momentum is clearly on the side of justice and fairness,” Lieberman said. “New Yorkers should not have to cross state lines to protect their families. It’s time for the Senate to follow the Assembly’s lead and do the right thing and stand up for all of New York’s families.”

Reach out to Your Legislators-Join us in Albany for Equality and Justice Day on Arpil 28th.

For more information contact your local office of the NYCLU by clicking here