Ever think to yourself, “I wonder what it would take for a Republican State Senator in New York to vote ‘yes’ on the marriage equality bill?”
If you have, then I can help shed some light on the subject via State Senator Greg Ball (R-Patterson).
Included in “The basic wording Senator Ball is seeking” to be added to the New York State marriage equality bill is this:
“No house of worship, individual or business with religious objections, or tax exempt organizations shall be required to allow their property or services to be used for any function or purpose to which they or have their tax exempt status challenged or removed because of failure to permit usage of their property for same sex ceremonies.”
Legalized discrimination is thy name. This bill is about equality and the Republicans are working as hard as they can to tarnish it. They are essentially saying, we will let you get married, but good luck finding a place to hold the ceremony, reception, and next day brunch. Have you ever been refused service anywhere in the world because you are straight? I didn’t think so. And this endorsement of discrimination should not be tolerated.
Marriage equality is not equality if provisions, like the one above, create burdens that straight couples do not and will never face. Let’s hope the Democrats see this for what it is and brush it off without paying it any attention.
Feel free to let Senator Ball’s staff contact, Ali Skinner, know how you feel. I know that the team at Monsieur Baguette will be. Here is her contact info: (845) 200-9716.
