Issuees - Nassau County Lesbian & Gay Democrats

The Nassau County Lesbian & Gay Democrats

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Concerns & Topics Pertaining to our Community

Domestic Partnership Registry

After years of advocacy, a bill to establish a domestic partnership registry in Nassau County was introduced in April 2006, by Presiding Officer Judith Jacobs, and Legislators Jeff Toback and Craig Johnson. Despite vocal support from a broad coalition including clergy of various denominations, the Civil Service Employees Association, the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, the New York Civil Liberties Union, HRC, ESPA, P-FLAG, and Suffolk County Legislator Jon Cooper, an out gay Democrat; the bill was defeated by a vote of 10-8, with one abstention.

While all of the Republican members of the Legislature voted in unison against the bill, it was with shock and dismay that we saw one Democrat, Legislator Joseph Scannell, change a previous committee vote for the registry into one against, and another Democrat, Legislator Roger Corbin, abstain.

A massive postcard and phone campaign against the bill had been launched by the Nassau Civic Association and the Conservative Party based on ignorance, bigotry, and fear. In the County Legislature, vociferous opponents stood up at the podium and railed against the bill as destroying the American family and encouraging the spread of AIDS. It does not appear we yet have the 10 committed votes needed for passage on this issue; our work will continue.

Your legislator, whether Democrat or Republican, needs to hear from you.

The mailing address for all legislators is:

1550 Franklin Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501

Nassau County Lesbian & Gay Democrats

Phone: 516 431-8666

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 334 Long Beach, NY 11561-0334

E-mail address: NassauGayDems@aol.com

Updated 7/14/08