It finally happened: New York joined most of the northeastern states from Maine to New Jersey when Governor George Pataki signed into law a bill first introduced 31 years ago! He said he'd do it, and he did it, working with conservatives like Senate Majority leader Joe Bruno, the LCR folks, and the liberal and progressive gay politicos and leaders in New York City. All in all, a great turn of events, though transgendered people should also have been included.
NY Times story

Good job, Governor Pataki!

I hope Governor Granholm will do the same.....I e-mailed her with a copy of the above article, asking her about her plans for LGBT legislation.

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Kudos, fantomas.

[ December 18, 2002: Message edited by: bluebird48234 ]

Fantomas, it is a good sign that Pataki has approved the anti-discrimination bill, but unfortunately, New York does not join the rest of the North East in these laws. Sadly, Maine still lacks a state-wide anti-discrimination law, and I believe one was actually repealed there a few years ago. There are some jurisdictions with such laws, but a vocal "Christian" minority fighting them.

And it only took, what...31 years?

[quote]Originally posted by CPT_Doom:
Fantomas, it is a good sign that Pataki has approved the anti-discrimination bill, but unfortunately, New York does not join the rest of the North East in these laws. Sadly, Maine still lacks a state-wide anti-discrimination law, and I believe one was actually repealed there a few years ago. There are some jurisdictions with such laws, but a vocal "Christian" minority fighting them.

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You're right, Cpt_Doom; Maine doesn't have such a law. It's the only New England state that doesn't, I think. In fact, according to the Lambda Legal Defense Fund, the only states that really cover everything or close to it are California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Vermont, and now New York. New Hampshire doesn't cover education, and Maryland covers several things.

A rather pathetic overall picture when you consider it, given that there are 50 states out there.

[ December 19, 2002: Message edited by: fantomas ]

[quote]A rather pathetic overall picture when you consider it, given that there are 50 states out there.

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Exactly Fantomas - that is one of the things I always stress to straight friends who seem to think being gay is not a big deal anymore - which it really isn't in the larger cities. However, it is sad in this day and age that business establishments in 37 states have the right to refuse service to gay people. When folks talk about "special rights" I have to ask, why is my ability to eat in a restaurant a "special right"?