State News Release

NY Greens Support New Paltz Mayor West's Stance on Same Sex Marriage.

Green Party of New York State
March 04, 2004.

Contact: Gloria Mattera (917) 886-4538 or Ian Wilder (631) 422-4702

The Green Party of New York State applauds New Paltz Mayor Jason West's action in performing marriages for same-sex couples. "We are proud that as a Green elected official that Mayor West has stood up for equal rights under our state constitution and recognized the right of individuals to marry. It is unfortunate that some public officials feel it is necessary to continue to discriminate against individuals based on their sexual orientation," said Margaret Human, State Committee representative from Dutchess County.

The Green Party of the United States platform recognizes the ability of consenting adults to marry as a basic human right. The Civil Rights movement of the last fifty years has taught us that it is the highest obligation of elected officials to protect such rights. "It is gratifying to see Green Party members providing critical leadership in expanding civil rights in our state and country. We fully support the brave actions by Jason West in standing up for equal rights," said Betty Wood, Secretary, Green Party of New York State.

We demand that Ulster County District Attorney Donald Williams and the New Paltz Police immediately drop all charges against Mayor West for officiating at marriages. To encourage the dropping of these spurious charge, we also call on our state officials to act immediately. We demand that Governor Pataki correct the gender-specific Health Department marriage license regulations which are in violation of New York's gender-neutral Constitution. Further we demand that Attorney General Eliot Spitzer immediately issue a statement protecting Mayor West's ability to officiate at same-sex weddings as legal under our State Constitution.

The Green Party of New York State recognizes the joy that Mayor West is bringing into these couples' live by allowing them the opportunity to marry.

The Green Party is committed to ecology, nonviolence, justice and grassroots democracy.