Golden

by Turkana

Three new stories to brighten your day.

From the New York Times:

Gov. David A. Paterson has directed all state agencies to begin to revise their policies and regulations to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions, like Massachusetts, California and Canada.

In a directive issued on May 14, the governor’s legal counsel, David Nocenti, instructed the agencies that gay couples married elsewhere “should be afforded the same recognition as any other legally performed union.”

The revisions are most likely to involve as many as 1,300 statutes and regulations in New York governing everything from joint filing of income tax returns to transferring fishing licenses between spouses.

In a videotaped message given to gay community leaders at a dinner on May 17, Mr. Paterson described the move as “a strong step toward marriage equality.” And people on both sides of the issue said it moved the state closer to fully legalizing same-sex unions in this state.

There's something to be said for a politician who didn't expect to be where he is, and who has admitted enough political baggage to know he will never be president. It helps give the courage to do the right thing. Which is why such a politician might actually make a good president, some day. Meanwhile, he's off to a good start, as governor.

And speaking of political courage, in California, the leaders apparently no longer need it to do the right thing. The people are on board. As reported by McClatchy:

Signaling a generational shift in attitudes, a new Field Poll on Tuesday said California voters now support legal marriage between same-sex couples and oppose a state constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.

By 51 to 42 percent, state voters believe gay couples have the right to marry, according to a May 17-26 poll of 1,052 registered voters.

Which is particularly important, because bigots plan to put a referendum on a ban on the ballot for November. Meanwhile, the recent California Supreme Court ruling will soon take effect. The San Francisco Chronicle:

Dozens of same-sex couples planning to marry in San Francisco will have to reschedule their weddings after the state Office of Vital Records decided Wednesday that gays and lesbians can legally marry in California beginning June 17.

That's one day after many had assumed the California Supreme Court's decision granting marriage rights to same-sex couples would take effect. Forty-four same-sex couples had made appointments for June 16 with the San Francisco County clerk, according to Karen Hong, director of the clerk's office.

"This is the letter we've all been waiting for," said Hong, referring to the communique from the state informing clerks of the date.

One extra day of waiting, and California becomes a state where love is legal and recognized. Golden, indeed.