Lambda Independent Democrats were joined by members of Stonewall Democrats, the Out People of Color Political Action Committee and the Jim Owles Democratic Club at City Hall today to denounce State Sen. Marty Golden for joining a lawsuit that seeks to block Governor David Paterson's order to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.
"We have learned to expect this kind of intolerance from Marty Golden," said Terrance Knox, Co-President of LID. "This is the same guy who had a problem with bus shelter posters for television's The L Word," Knox said.
"Marty Golden has got to go," said LID Co-President Dan Willson. "It is shameful that he would try and block recognition of those who are already legally married."
LID was joined by members of other LGBT political groups, including the Stonewall Democratic Club, the Out People of Color Political Action Committee and the Jim Owls Democratic Club. One couple, Rodrick Dial and Adam Weinstein spoke out about the impact of marriage equality on their family. The couple have two young kids who were also present.
Gary Parker, a founding member of the coalition of LGBT political groups Greater Voices said "with LGBT Pride week upon us, we are reminded of the great diversity of this city and Sen. Golden should celebrate that with us, rather than greet it with scorn."
LID also announced a new effort to target Sen. Golden and other opponents of marriage equality. "Unfortunately, Marty Golden is not alone. There are a handful of elected officials in Brooklyn who are standing in the way and literally denying us marriage equality in this state," Co-President Willson said.
There are 6 sitting members of the assembly who voted against marriage equality in 2007—all Democrats. They are Dov Hikind, Nick Perry, Steven Cymbrowitz, William Colton, Peter Abbate and Annette Robinson. Another two—Alec Brook-Krasney and Karim Camara abstained.
"I mention these people today because even though the focus is on Marty Golden's latest antics, we don't want them to think we forgot about them," Willson said, "and in that spirit, today we are announcing the 2008 Conversion Tour in Brooklyn."
The Conversion Tour is about changing hearts and minds so the next time these individuals have an opportunity to vote for marriage equality they will do just that. "It is a little strange that we still have to fly to California or Canada to get hitched and to have our relationships recognized here at home," Willson said. "We should be able to marry the people we love right here in New York. We still need to pass marriage equality in the legislature."
The Conversion Tour will target legislators who will not support marriage equality. "We will be in their districts, we will be in their neighborhood papers, we will be in their offices, we will be in their neighborhoods talking with their neighbors. If necessary we will be in their faces to get them to understand why this is so critical to the couples living in their districts and throughout our borough and state," Willson said.
LID reached out to all 8 legislators in May to request a meeting to sit down and talk about their vote. Only one has responded. LID also called upon Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith and Democratic County Leader Vito Lopez to work with the club to find a Democratic alternative to Republican Marty Golden. The Co-Presidents pledged to work with the Democratic leadership to find a winning candidate and work to get that person elected to the State Senate seat that includes Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and Marine Park.
"We know it can be done. And we are ready to get it done," Willson said.