New York Attorney General Defends Same-Sex Marriage

In New York’s political and social debate regarding the recognition of same-sex marriage nationwide, NY Attorney General, Eric Schneiderman, is stepping up to the plate.

Though federal law complicates the new legislation, Schneiderman, is determined to protect its legitimacy and enforcement. “We’re going to defend the law. I’m confident we’ll prevail,” he said.

Schneiderman is currently battling the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) law, claiming that it is overstepping the states’ right to create marriage law. The federal law does not federally recognize same-sex marriage, and also says that states cannot be forced to acknowledge a same-sex marriage from another state.

The Attorney General’s defense may prove to be very helpful in New York’s battle. His success can potentially bring about more consistency in laws pertaining to same-sex child custody and divorce settlements. The current law, for example, limits where same-sex couples can live and receive benefits. It also takes away from the legal and psychological legitimacy of same-sex marriages and divorces.

Defending the same-sex marriage law in New York, he said, “We’re very confident that this (DOMA) is a violation of equal protection and it’s a violation of the rights of the individual.”

Sources: WNED and New York Times