Declaring that “it’s time to take a stand,” New York Gov. David Paterson today announced a bill to legalize gay marriage. “We come to this debate with the wind at our back,” Paterson said. “The events in Connecticut and Massachusetts, the decisions in Iowa and in Vermont, give us the feeling that we can be effective.” He emphasized that 1,300–1,400 rights would be granted to individuals that don’t exist in the case of civil unions. “Rights should not be stifled by fear,” he said. “What we should understand is that silence should not be a response to injustice.” Watch it:
In 2007, then-Gov. Elliot Spitzer also introduced marriage equality legislation, but it stalled in the New York Senate.
Update:
Yesterday, the Washington state legislature passed a bill ensuring “same-sex domestic partners would have all the rights and benefits that Washington state offers married couples.” Gov. Christine Gregoire has said she will sign the bill.