EPF
applauds New York governor for signing non-discrimination bill into law
Press release from Equal Partners in Faith, dated
12-19-02 [12-21-02]
Thirty-one years after the first gay rights bill was
introduced, New York became the 13th state to ban discrimination based
on sexual orientation. Gov. George Pataki signed the bill into law just
hours after it was passed by Senate.
"Discrimination in any form must not be
tolerated," said EPF Director Dr. Sylvia Rhue. "This law will
insure that New York residents will be protected against discrimination
in employment, housing, education, credit and public
accommodations."
The Associated Press quotes Matt Foreman, executive
director of Empire State Pride, saying, "This lays the foundation
for winning full equality under the law in areas such as taxation,
protections for gay youth and transgender people and recognition of our
families."
New York State senators passed the Sexual Orientation
Non-Discrimination Act by a vote of 34-26. The state Assembly approved
the measure in January -- as it has annually since 1993. Thirteen of 36
Republicans and 21 of 24 Democrats voted for the bill.
"Mainstream religious organizations like the
American Jewish Congress and the New York State Council of Churches
contributed to the passage of this bill," said Rhue. "As
progressive people of faith, we celebrate this wonderful news. With
reports that Connecticut is expected to take up the subject of same-sex
marriage next year the momentum for full inclusion is definitely on our
side."
EQUAL PARTNERS in FAITH is a multi-racial national
network of religious leaders and people of faith committed to equality
and diversity. Our diverse faith traditions and shared religious values
lead us to affirm and defend the equality of all people, regardless of
religion, race, ability, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity.
As people of faith, we actively oppose the manipulation of religion to
promote inequality and exclusion.
Equal Partners in Faith
5 Thomas Circle
Washington DC
20005
1-877-501-4194
1-202-797-0111 (fax)
website: www.us.net/epf
email: epfinfo@aol.com
