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The "christian" zealots are just a hoot. If it were up to them we'd be putting the gay community in concentration camps and herding them into the "showers." Please, this kind of christian is nothing but a hate filled bigot, much like those who attempted to use Christianity against Arican American's in the 60's. Get a life and stop being concerned with other peoples business. If any of these "christians' would examine their own lives, they would find them severly lacking. But then again, the "christian" community has never been one for introspection.

@ Mark......... you missed my point! Government got involved in marriage! Marriage was around ............ for centuries before government started to issue licenses, etc. And just because the government issues licenses does not mean that marriage has changed, the definition of marriage remains.

I realize that many religions have different views. However, Mark, the bottom line is that for those who believe that God, instituted the Sacrament of Marriage, it is still not a civil right.

Mark, you are free to disagree. And I, too, am free to insist, that a civil union can give LBGT all the "rights" they need.

Again.......... peace.

To everyone who claims that marriage is a religious institution: does that mean that an atheist couple should be stripped of all marriage status by the government? Someone who doesn't believe in god can still marry and have it recognized by individual states and the federal government. What is the difference?

Marriage is more than just a religious matter. It is a cultural thing, recognized for many thousands of years across all cultures as the primary family bond, around which all other family relationships revolve.

The fact that government recognizes marriage, and not same-sex unions, reflects the cultural values that have withstood the test of time and that are worthy of protection. You may disagree, and perhaps legislators will also agree someday. For now, however, marriage is a defined term, and same-sex unions do not fit in that established definition.

To Lisa:
Did you just say that anyone that marries heterosexually that does not get married in a church does not take their vows as seriously as you or other Christians?

Wow...

I take my marriage to be just as sacred and cherished as any Christian, even if I didn't get married in a church or officated by any specific clergy member.

That's pretty sad if that's what you were insinuating by that comment. When people marry, I don't know of many that truly feel like it is a 'contract' (except those that specifically marry for socio-economic reasons and not for love), and go into the union just as dedicated as any Christian, Muslim, Buddist, Wiccan, etc.

@ Michelle no one is asking you to change your beliefs, all that is being asked is for you tpo allow others, with differing beliefs, to be allowed to act on their beliefs also.
I, personally, feel there are many laws that allow others to do things I do not approve of (divorce for example), I accept the laws and put a tighter limit on myself and have tired to teach my children that. So if you and yours wish to limit marriage for you and yours to heterosexual only that is your perogative and I fully support you and yours marrying only heterosexuals. HOWEVER when you say your belief and your feelings should determine what me and mine believe I disagree. I feel that as a free society we must be an accepting society. My problemn with the (what I call) radical religious rightwing is NOT their beliefs, they are free to believe what ever they want, my problem is when they try to force (or legislate) their beliefs onto me. NO ONE will EVER FORCE a church to provide homosexual marriages, nor will anyone force a church to go against their beliefs, so if you are a member of a group that does not homosexual marriages fine DO NOT HAVE THEM, much like abortion issues if yuou oppose abortion DO NOT HAVE ONE, teach your children not to have one and instead of protesting (and killing drs.) start offering to adopt the children, to pay for the neonatal care of the child. (I also believe if a father choses to have the child and the mother objects the father should have every legal right to require the woman to carry the child to term and turn it over to the father after birth). Sorry got on my soap box again

James Dobson announced himself that "we lost the cultural war"

yes, you did!

your religion has NO PLACE in our government! practice your religion in your homes, churches and private schools – but leave the rest of us out of it!

to Fair is Fair who said: "To all you progressives / liberals / democrats / whatever you're calling yourselves these days: The prez is against gay marriage. Why don't you bring your beef to him?"

President Obama also said he believes the States should decide on gay marriage themselves; therefore, there is no beef to bring to him.

and, we call ourselves human beings, how about you?

He needs some publicity!!!!!

A high five to Gov. Patterson.
If it's good enough for four states, it's good enough for the rest of the country. I support anyone who's lucky enough to find love and love deeply enough, strongly enough to commit him or herself to someone, regardless of gender.
And those supposedly God-fearing, Christian heterosexuals who tout the sanctity of marriage as exclusive to a man and woman ought not to be fearful or threatened - if you have a solid marriage of your own, why worry about anyone else?

Kudos to Paterson and the State of NY. I wish that CA had come through.

I, personally, think that rights afforded to married people are unfair to single people. I think marriage should not be recognized by the State at all, but if heterosexuals are afforded certain rights when they marry, then so should the LGBT community. It's pretty simple.

To the gay haters: Quit trying to make everyone in this country succumb to your ridiculous hate and fear! END DISCRIMINATION!!!!

We need to vote to get rid of all those politician who dont stand for something...

You are right when you say marriage is a legal contract;
Just like 666 is the mark of the beast... you have a right to sell their souls if they chose…

For Christians marriage is more than just a contract... It a sacred covenant, a binding and obedient love between three party combine together as one God, man and woman… it will never be three men… God is not in the midst of that confusion…

This is getting ridiculous. Why not have government get out of the business of recognizing marriages. Let the churches recognize marriages, and let the states recognize legal unions or whatever they want to call them. And when I say the government, that's all I mean. I don't mean that you or I should have to "recognize" a union that goes against our beliefs.

Mari said:

"However, marriage is a religious institution, not a civil right."

1. Wrong. As soon as the government gave tax breaks to "married" couples and issued "marriage" licenses and let "marriage" determine hospital visitation rights and a host of other civil issues, it became a civil issue and the meaning of the word changed irrevocably. You'll just have to deal with that and live your OWN "married" life based on your definition.

2. Plenty of religions and denominations believe in "marriage" and same-sex relationships as well. Your religious beliefs have no business telling other religions how to view the issue, thus have no business determining my civil rights.

Bottom line, this equality is far past time. Go to it, NY! And if you don't like same-sex marriage, don't have one. YOUR religion has no business determining MY rights.

Very smart move in a place as liberal as NYC. Unfortunately, I truly believe that he's just doing this as an effort to boost popularity points there.. not because he truly believes this is right. Maybe I'm wrong.. who knows

Why does religion (ie superstition) need to be involved with goverment?

Same-sex marriage harms no one. All the hype and hoopla is nothing but a group of zealots who got everybody worked up over something that has no negative impact at all on them personally.

C'mon, Christians, stop humiliating yourselves with your aggressive bigotry! It's 'love thy neighbor," not "oppress thy neighbor"; it's "vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord", not "go be my self-appointed vigilante, sayeth the lord." It's not "do unto others with the full force of your hate."

I am astounded at the depths of Christian hate and hypocrisy we have seen lately.

Love the sinner, hate the sin is a crock.

It's love the sinner, FORGIVE the sin.

Oh, and BTW- homosexuality, as we know it today- isn't a sin according to the bible. Churches, religions and man might say it is, but not the supposed "word" of god.

So many xians never took a class to understand the context or history of their own "holy" book.

If religions didn't change with the whim of who ever was rich, or crowned as king, or who was noble or powerful at the moment, they might gain more credibility. But they won't, which is why we need SEPARATION of church and state.

Same sex marriage has been legal in Canada, and in many other countries now for several years. It is wonderful to live in a country where ALL it's citizens are created equal, under God, indivisible. Too bad the U.S. doesn't go by these words...Oh wait, they do...how hypocritcical???

If I hear one more time that marriage is a religious act and not a governmental act I will puke!!!

When the first Justice of the Peace presided over the first marriage it became a governmental act. When the government can decide how many people can be married (ie monogamy over polygamy) it became a governmental act. Simple fact a marriage within a church must STILL be certified by the state or it is not recognized as a marraige. All these taken together means marriage is a civil governmental act NOT a religious sacriment and as such there is NO LEGAL reason why consenting adults (note I did not say animals who cannot give consent nor children who are not leagally allowed to sign contracts and therefore cannot give consent) cannot amrry so I applaud this move by the governor of NY now if only the radical religious right could learn to distinguish between what they believe and reality and understand that there are MANY in this country (including the founding fathers) who do not want this to be a "Christian Country" instead we want a country where you are free to worship as you please and not able to force another to follow what you worship.

4:34 Heidi
He's just doing this because his poll numbers are low and he faces not being elected on his own.

That makes a lot of sense, considering voters typically vote overwhelmingly against gay marriage.

Michelle April 14th, 2009 4:56 pm ET
Visit TrueTolerance.org

If 'True Tolerance' is anything like 'Fair & Balanced', 'Compassionate Conservative', 'Clear Skies Act', 'Fair Tax', or any number of Orwellian newspeak terms packaged by the right wing, then I have to say 'thanks, but no thanks.'

The Mormon churches hate machine has enough money to fund and man a defeat in every single state allowing gays to be equal human citizens just as they did in CA. The deluded hateful right wing religions pay no tax and create political outcomes they pay for all the time – when will they be taxed for their political organizing?

Fair is Fair April 14th, 2009 4:52 pm ET

To all you progressives / liberals / democrats / whatever you're calling yourselves these days:

The prez is against gay marriage. Why don't you bring your beef to him?

Careful what you wish for. LBJ said he supported segregation until pen hit paper with the Civil Rights Act in 1965.

Since when is "disses" as word?

In the Old Testament, you are STONED to death. It is morally wrong.

As a Christian, it is sad to see these types of measures being passed, but then all it means is that we are all ONE step closer to the rapture.

Its interesting how the critics of same-sex marriage say that it ruins the institution of marriage, or whatever....I'm pretty sure the 50% divorce rate in this country did that already. Who are you to judge whether a person can be happy or not? I see no difference between people like Watchful Cowboy and Muslim extremists. Who cares if other people have different views and values than you do? Acceptance of other people's beliefs is a major part of the foundation in which America is built upon.

Kudos to Governer Patterson for taking a very public and supportive stance of such a progressive measure (the fact that same-sex marriage proposals are considered progressive is sickening, by the way). Here is a guy that is putting the proper and just course of action ahead of political agenda, and he should be commended for doing so.

Way to go Governor Paterson! It is about time!

To those who do not believe gays should marry, you are free to move to another country at anytime. Everyone should have the right to marry the person they love.
Note: I said person( i.e human being). I don't believe in the fear mongers saying that this will lead to beastiality or even pologymy.

It is time for FULL Equal rights for all US Citizens, and that includes marriage, and the benefits that come with it.

Oh, and anyone spouting anything religious.....
Shhhhh. Church and State.....remember?
You CANNOT use religion in this debating this topic.

This reminds me of George Ryan's death penalty crusade to distract attention from his corruption.

Bryan, marriage is most certainly NOT a "religious" union. In fact, no one is going to force your church to perform a gay marriage. Marriage is a legal contract endorsed by the SECULAR state.

Even though I am a "liberal" on most issues, I believe that a Civil Union should be sufficient for the LGBT community.

I have nothing against LGBT folks, they are entitled to the same rights as everyone else. However, marriage is a religious institution, not a civil right.

I realize that not everyone believes in God, and so religious values and beliefs do not apply to them. Fine.

Marriage has been a religious rite for centuries. A Civil Union, gives you all the legal rights without the religious being involved.

We are all created equal in God's eyes, you do not need marriage to give you equality. Again, marriage is not a civil right.

Peace.

Heterosexual Alpha male here and honestly who cares if same sex folks want to marry? I think there are more important things to worry about nowadays.

Hooray for our Governor!
Being straight, I cannot comprehend homosexuality. The thought of it is repulsive and bewildering. This, however, is no basis to deny any citizen the right to marry the loved one of their choice. We mustn't deny anyone benefits and rights because of a difference in "taste".

awesome I don't think gay marriage would hurt anyone, if your thinking too much about it then you better re check your own sexuality. If your comfortable in your own skin then why should it matter to you. Live your life for yourself and stop forcing your views down other people lifestyles.

When are we going to really learn, gay marriage is not the way to go. Marriage is a religious act which shouldn't be touched by the government at all.

What we need are civil unions, and make them equal across the board. Stop protecting marriage and start promoting civil unions for straights and gays.

Who are we to decide who is in love or not and who should be married. Not one of you right wing nut jobs are God so stop pretending like you are and speaking for him!

Watchful cowboy:

It isn't a "marriage" in your eyes. That doesn't much matter.

I also despise the "love the sinner, hate the sin" BS.This is judgemental and again, no one cares or SHOULD care what you, individually, think about the "sin" or "sinner". (And I daresay, there's plenty in your closet that we can judge YOU on).

The minorities (all minorities) should be protected from the tyranny of the majority. You're living proof.

Arthimetic – I will go with what you said – and doubt people in same sex marriages will be forgiven –

but you can have your hopes!

I am against same-sex marriage, but I believe in freedom of choice. Your propaganda is forcing us that believe differently to accept something that is wrong in our eyes.

Marriage = 1 Man + 1 Woman (and it always will)

Laws cannot change my belief, or the way I teach my children.

Visit TrueTolerance.org

Political silly season has returned.

Heidi: Umm...how wrong you are. The Gov. has been wanting this to be leagizled so long before he has been a strong supporter of gay rights. You're talking about a guy who went to a gay rights rally as Gov!

I might be in CA and might not like everything that Paterson is doing in New York right now but, I support him on this him because it should be done.

Now I just need Prop 8 to be overruled. THANK YOU JERRY BROWN! cause he;s the man to do it.

Given the gay population of New York City's theater district alone, I am surprised it has taken this long for the idea to arise.

To all you progressives / liberals / democrats / whatever you're calling yourselves these days:

The prez is against gay marriage. Why don't you bring your beef to him?

What can it hurt.......Life Goes On across America.

Watchful Cowboy April 14th, 2009 4:39 pm ET

Love the sinner, hate the sin.

... is blasphemy. Jesus said to love the sinner and FORGIVE the sin. Judgement is the providence of God Almighty and none else.

don't do it

call it a union

The Broker. April 14th, 2009 4:39 pm ET

I also think the same sex: should marry the opposite..

And you're welcome to it, if it makes you happy.
Just stay out of other people's business and we'll be just fine.

Now this decision will definitely won't get him re-elected. Bad move Patterson.

He could call on the sky color to be changed to plaid...it won't work!! he is hated by the media and is doomed.

This is typical of anyone who knows they won't or can't be re-elected so it's no surprise. I guess this is like Paterson giving a pardon.

Way to GO!!!

good for the governor...

thank you, Gov!

I don't agree with same sex marriages – cause it isn't a marriage. Call it a union and give them the benefits. Love the sinner, hate the sin.

And I bet this doesn't get posted!

I also think the same sex: should marry the opposite..

It's about time – Americans everywhere deserve the right to choose who they should marry. Anyone who is against same-sex marriage is against equal rights and the freedom of choice – therefore, UN-American.

And they are welcome to move to a close-minded country that doesn't allow gay rights within it's borders. Like Saudi Arabia.

All the other countries that allow same-sex marriage have had increased economic activity thanks to the wedding booms...and no negative after-effects.

Wootness, maybe I won't have to get married in CT but can stay in the home state instead!

Well, his numbers are already in the toilet, so this can't really hurt him per se...

I can't believe that progressive states like California and New York are so far behind states like IOWA!!!

He's just doing this because his poll numbers are low and he faces not being elected on his own.