N.Y. LAWS WEAVE A TANGLED WEB

New Paltz, N.Y., March 28, 2004:  As reported in the New York Times today, a very brave mayor, Jason West, of New Paltz, the small town up the Hudson from the Apple, has always supported liberal causes.  So it may have come as no surprise to those who knew him when he checked out state law, found a weird contradiction, and started marrying gay couples in February.

The quirky laws state that an official, including a mayor, cleryman or J.P., could marry a couple, and that no marriage license is needed.  On the other hand, the tricky little laws also make marriage illegal without a license. As the Times article notes, Mr. West consulted Spencer McLaughlin, on the Human Rights Commission when Ed Koch was mayor of New York, for an opinion.  Mr. McLaughlin informed Mr. West that while the law said you can't perform a same sex wedding, it did not specify whether an official should do so or not .

Now, since Mayor West, a straight man, always believed folks should marry whomever they chose, he decided he was within his rights and got 25 ceremonies completed before the local law enforcers charged him with conducting weddings without a license.

Concurrent with the human marriages taking place in New Paltz, Reverend Herman Proudfoot, Head of the Houndstooth Adventist Church of New Paltz, was also conducting same sex NIPtual rights.  Cats, dogs, horses, cows, chickens, spiders and frogs from the surrounding towns converged on the town to solidify their commitments to each other. 

Reverend Proudfoot has not yet been charged, and is still helping happy couples join hooves, paws, claws and pads.  While blissful, those who have not yet had their vows sanctified are watching with baited breath. "Any day we expect John Law to snap a leash onto the Reverend," Jenny Springer, a beautiful spaniel, told us.  "He's performing as many as 50 ceremonies a day," she added, "trying to keep one step ahead of the dog catcher.  We're all praying for his continued ability to remain free and able to marry all who wish to join paws." 

We know you join us in supporting the townsfolk in their wish.  You can show your support by sending a note in the box below. 

On a similar note:  Please take a moment to participate in our continuing survey on whether Caesar, the 26 year old childless gorilla, should be allowed to wed his new male companion (click here to read the March 27 FUPPPS editorial for the whole story):