Editorial : Gay marriage marks important milestone for NY, SU campus
On June 24, the New York state Senate passed a bill legalizing gay marriage. News analysts and gay rights advocates hailed the legislation as a momentous step in the fight for marriage equality, as New York is the largest state to grant the right and has historically served as a base for gay rights activism.
The Daily Orange Editorial Board commends New York legislators and Gov. Andrew Cuomo for listening to their constituents, who understand gay marriage to be a matter of basic civil rights.
Members of the Syracuse University community should be particularly aware of the significance of the legislation. Hendricks Chapel has long performed commitment ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples, unable to officiate a legal union that would grant the couples essential family rights. This summer, Hendricks housed its first-ever official gay marriage, a historic moment for this campus.
Likewise, SU consistently ranks as one of the safest and most welcoming universities for gay and lesbian students. Supporting this community makes up part of our history and one of our greatest strengths. This legislation should serve as motivation to continue the dialogue on campus — between supporters, opponents, allies and advocates — about the future of gay rights in America.
