skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

SCOTUS skeptical that state abortion bans conflict with federal health care law; Iowa advocates for immigrants push back on Texas-style deportation bill; new hearings, same arguments on both sides for ND pipeline project; clean-air activists to hold "die-in" Friday at LA City Hall.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

"Squad" member Summer Lee wins her primary with a pro-peace platform, Biden signs huge foreign aid bills including support for Ukraine and Israel, and the Arizona House repeals an abortion ban as California moves to welcome Arizona doctors.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

The urban-rural death divide is widening for working-age Americans, many home internet connections established for rural students during COVID have been broken, and a new federal rule aims to put the "public" back in public lands.

Decision Day for New York Marriage Equality

play audio
Play

Monday, June 20, 2011   

ALBANY, N.Y. - New Yorkers should know by the end of the day today where the Empire State stands on the issue of gay marriage. The governor's proposed Marriage Equality Act would allow same-sex couples to enter into marriage, but not compel clergy to perform same-sex marriages.

Lisa Tyson, executive director of the Long Island Progressive Coalition, says everyone should have access to the rights afforded by marriage.

"This really gives civil rights to the gay community, to the community that has really been left out of so many things for so long. As New Yorkers, we must ensure that everyone here has the same rights."

The measure passed the Assembly last week and needs the support of at least 32 Republicans in order to make it through the Senate. Some Republicans have been holding out for stronger language to protect religious institutions. The Act already exempts churches and benevolent organizations from having to recognize or host gay marriage ceremonies.

Tyson says there are important, practical reasons why marriage rights should be universal.

"What this really means is that people are able to be protected, that they have legal rights. If a loved one is in the hospital, they could be visited. If someone passes away, what's going to happen with the estate? These are real life issues affecting everyone, every day."

It will be up to Senate Republicans to decide whether they want to bring the measure to the floor. Gov. Cuomo said he may call lawmakers into a special session if the measure is not brought to a vote by the close of the session tonight.

The act, which is contained in the governor's Program Bill, is available at http://governor.ny.gov/assets/marriageequalitybillmemo.pdf.





get more stories like this via email

more stories
Rep. Crystal Quade, D-Springfield, the House Democratic floor leader, called Missouri politicians "extremist" on social media after they passed the most restrictive abortion ban in the country and defunded Planned Parenthood. (Fitz/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

play sound

The Missouri Legislature has approved a law to stop its Medicaid program, known as MO HealthNet, from paying Planned Parenthood for medical services …


Environment

play sound

A round of public testimony wrapped up this week as part of renewed efforts by a company seeking permit approval in North Dakota for an underground pi…

Social Issues

play sound

Air travelers could face fewer obstacles in securing a refund if their flight is canceled or changed under new federal rules announced Wednesday…


The Iowa Movement for Migrant Justice calls Senate File 2340 a "ridiculous stunt," passed in an election year "to mobilize voters using fear and anti-immigrant sentiment." (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Advocates for immigrants are pushing back on a bill signed by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds in the last few days of the legislative session, modeled on a …

Environment

play sound

An environmental group is suing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the Arkansas mudalia snail under the Endangered Species Act. In …

Currently, more than 2.7 million Californians live within 3,200 feet of an operational oil well. (MSPhotographic/Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Leaders concerned about pollution and climate change are raising awareness about a ballot measure this fall on whether the state should mandate buffer…

play sound

A coalition of climate groups seeking cleaner air at the rail yards and ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will hold a "die-in" rally tomorrow at Los…

Health and Wellness

play sound

By Marianne Dhenin for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for Georgia News Connection reporting for the YES! Media/Public News …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021