Letter to the Editor

Denying marriage is denying a civil right

(Original publication: May 19, 2006)

I would like to invite everyone to the wedding of my son to his fiancé, another wonderful young man. It will be a traditional Jewish ceremony: They will be surrounded by family and friends as they stand together under the marriage canopy, recite ancient texts and publicly commit their love and commitment to each other. We will kiss and hug, eat and drink, and dance the night away celebrating their new life ahead as a family.

Unfortunately, I can't really have you all there. It's more unfortunate that these two wonderful young men are still denied the civil right to get a marriage license, and therefore are denied the more than 1,800 rights taken for granted by most of us who are in marriages sanctioned by the state. As Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-Manhattan, recently said, "Make no mistake, civil marriage is a civil right, and denying civil rights to any of our citizens is simply unjust and un-American."

Later this month the state courts may be handing down a decision on marriage equality. At this historic moment, consider how you would feel if, after you found the love of your life, you simply could not take the next step and marry. But it is simple. Love, commitment and security make our families and our communities stronger. This is something my husband and I can't give our child on our own. We need your support to make it happen. That would be the perfect wedding present.

RoseAnn Hermann, Larchmont

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Last updated on
Friday May 19, 2006