N.Y. Gay Marriage Vote November 10?

I am from Belgium originally but became also American recently, I would like to make aware to Americans who don't know but are in favor or gay marriage, that although if gay marriage will be accepted in New York, it will only help gay Americans couples, but there are still about 10'000 American citizens who will not be able to get these rights because they are in a committed relationship with a partner who is NOT American!... indeed, a heterosexual may "sponsor", his other sex partner to come and live and work in this country legally, according to immigration's law, which is applying to the entire Federation of the United States; but, as an American citizen living in Nyc, I could not invite my gay partner from Belgium for example, to come and live with me in New York State; he would be prevented to do so until gay marriage will be accepted by EVERY one of our "United" States!...

I find it funny when people say "gays" will ruin marriage, when the straight population are only the legally recognized population by the US government and Us government statistics have Divorce rates at over 50%. I thought marriage was till death do you part. Marriage has already been tainted by those who are have been allowed to be married and are not gay. HYPOCRYTES!

We don't give a rats ass about your religion. you and your religion have every right to your feelings but thats where it ends. Marriage is a "civil" contractl and separate from religion. Educated people now are realizing that even if they religiously disagree they know that unless it is called "marriage" the civil rights and protections are not the same . About 1500 differences. Your position inly hurts young people who commit suicide, your own hidden family members who you live in denial about and Jesus who will deal with your hatred at a later date. Get over yourself. Thank god the young generation thinks you are all fools and will be in charge soon.

Another Mormon idiot!

Thank you Governor Patterson for realizing the time has come for equal rights for all citizens of New York. It is time for the discrimination to end for gay citizens. Thank you for also realizing civil marriage is right for all regardless of religious affliation. When marriage became an institution recognized by the state, and thus gave married couples legal rights, it has moved from a religious ceremony to a legally binding contract that would be discriminatory to not offer to groups of citizens who churches feel are not worthy. New York either needs to pass same-sex marriage and offer the same benefits offered to heterosexual couples, or repeal the rights granted to heterosexual couples who chose get married in the state.

Governor Patterson, As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ you really ought to look into the scriptures before deciding on voting for gay marriage. People can choose what they want to do but government is subject unto God Romans 13 and you will be held accountable for your blatant disregard for God's word concerning marriage. May I remind you that marriage is between a man and a woman and is a covenant between them and God. It is not to be tampered with by government officials pleading for votes. I strongly urge you to reconsider because I know Reverend Butts has taught you better and you really don't want to challenge God on this issue. Be careful!!

Thank you Gov. Paterson. You are one of our fierce LGBT advocates. If I were NY resident, I would definetely vote for you. Not many people can see what you see. God Bless you heart.

Good afternoon, I agree we need federal equality including marriage. Still, I salute Govenor Patterson for pushing the NY senate into action. I feel the more press we get the better. Last week I sent the YouTube video of President Obama speaking at the HRC dinner; to my entire address book. Of course it inclulded 'safe' people like friends and family. In addition many were business acquiantances etc. Some of whom, I knew nothing of their politics. I received one horrible response. A guy went on and on about hunting season on queers. Also, allot I wouldn't repeat to anyone. My point. All of us need to get out there. My boyfriend and I want to marry. We have been waiting over seven years. Passage of gay marriage in New York would news all over the world. Thank you Govenor Patterson. Keep persisting for us! Sincerely, Rod Wright

New York State approval of Gay Marriage is important, but as we have seen in other states, it means little and can be overturned easily. Federal recognition of marriage equality is what we should demand and what we deserve. Individual states cannot provide the rights and benefits that the federal government provides, i.e., equal tax benefits, equal federal entitlement benefits, equal immigration benefits for non-American spouses, etc.... I love New York, but what happens when I travel to another part of the country, I am no longer married? What happens when I retire to Miami, my spouse becomes my roommate? It's not right, not fair, and not American.