Nassau County bigots deep-six domestic partnership registry
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Everyone thought it would pass in this NY county on Long Island, but it didn't. The nearby town of Hempstead does have a DP registry, but the 'phobes came out during the debate in the Democrat-held legislature and they prevailed at the last minute. (Newsday):
"It is a very embarrassing moment," said Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury), a major supporter of the bill that would have allowed domestic partners of any sex to register with the county as couples without being married.
The registry would have facilitated a partner's receiving medical insurance from a private employer or gaining access to the other person during a medical emergency, among other things. Suffolk, New York City and Westchester already have such a registry.
...Paul Kosowski, a leader of the Nassau County Civics Association, an activist organization with a Cedarhurst address, said: "A vote for domestic registry is a vote for gay marriage."
James Barker, pastor of the Bible Baptist Church in Elmont, said: "You just did the Pledge of Allegiance and said 'One nation under God.' Well, if you believe that, how can you go against God's law?"
