Marriage equality groups are saying “I don’t” to news that New York City Hall will start offering “marriage-like” ceremonies to domestic partners.
For $35, couples seeking domestic partnerships can have the niceties of a marriage ceremony — a commitment ceremony in a chapel with flowers and music. But the pomp means little, say some; gay and lesbian couples still don’t have the right to marry in New York.
“Until it’s like any other straight couple, I’m still a second-class citizen,” said Kurt Kelly, owner of the Stonewall Inn, where the famous gay-rights riots occurred in the 1960s.
“It’s important no one get confused … into thinking this is in any way marriage or good enough,” said Evan Wolfson, director of Freedom to Marry.
Mayor Michael Bloom-berg, a supporter of marriage equality, said today he’s in favor of the “marriage-like” ceremonies. But other elected officials are more skeptical.
“I don’t know why — if it’s not real — would anybody participate?” asked Upper West Side Councilwoman Gale Brewer of the ceremonies. “I do worry that it’s a little bit more about revenue enhancement as opposed to fighting for marriage.”
