"People of religious beliefs, many, believe that the sacred relationship between a man and woman is the only threshold for marriage. I respect that point of view. However we are living in a society of civil laws - we separate church and state," Paterson told CNN's John King.
"We are not trying in anyway to disrespect anyone's religious belief. We are to trying to, in anyway, make people believe what we believe about the validity about same sex marriage," Paterson added. "We are trying to get them to accept that in our society the laws should protect people equally."
Paterson announced last week he will introduce legislation that would allow same-sex couples in the state to enter into civil marriages and enjoy the same rights afforded to heterosexual married couples.
The legislation would give same-sex couples 1,300 to 1,400 rights that don't exist unless a couple is married, Paterson said.
From CNN Politics
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These are my comments. They belong to me.... "The Moment".
Who is this Guy from Manchester???
I fully support equal rights for ALL Americans...& that includes same sex couples!
BTW...I'm a devout Catholic!
Governor Patterson has been totally ineffective as governor. His over the top stand on same-sex marriage (which I support) is just the Governor's way to obfuscate the obvious leadership vacuum in the State. What he needs to do is fix the economy, address unemployment, lower the proposed increase in transit fares, attack corruption AND push for same-sex marriage.
It's about time government leaders decided to abide by the country´s governing documents. Let's continue to move forward and develop a true understanding of the importance in separating religion from government. I'm beginning to believe that those best to run our country are those that are humanist. They may be devoid of religion, however, they are not devoid of morals, logic and common sense. Hooray for Gov. Patterson and the bill´s supporters. I hope the trend continues.
Separation of church and state is something our forefathers were smart enough to know we needed. It is illegal to use religon as a reason to deprive fellow Americans of basic civil rights!
Patterson should; any two people SHOULD have the right to bond a legally-recognized bond of a committed relationship.
RUDY 2010 !!!
Anything for votes
Well said, Mr. Paterson. We all don't agree and have our beliefs, but God doesn't run this country or give us rights. The law does.
Separating us from the church is the best thing that could happen. It's ok to have your beliefs, just don't expect the rest of the country to fall in line.